By Ncaba Ntshakala
Gwamile VOCTIM is all smiles as the TVET institution received a generous donation from Taiwan and also celebrated the graduation of part-time students.
Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, and the Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi presided over the graduation ceremony of Part-Time Students from the Certification Enhancement Project.
Alongside this celebration, the Ministers also oversaw the formal handover of a significant donation from the Taiwan Technical Mission which is a donation of TVET equipment worth E5,070,362.00.
Addressing the audience, Minister of Education and Training Owen Nxumalo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to commemorate the strides made in vocational education, emphasizing the pivotal role that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays in shaping the nation’s future.
“The Certification Enhancement Project has been transformative, supported generously by the Taiwan Government,” remarked the Minister. “This initiative, spanning from 2018 to 2025, has laid the groundwork for progress in our education sector.”
The Minister highlighted the alignment of key policies that have shaped their path forward, including the recently unveiled Eswatini TVET Policy 2022-2027.
This blueprint emphasizes a vision for a robust and responsive vocational education system, geared towards equipping the youth with practical skills and fostering innovation.
Furthermore, Minister Nxumalo highlighted the importance of the Government’s Fiscal Recovery Strategy 2018-2022 and the Industrialization Policy in navigating economic challenges and driving sustainable growth.
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TVET, he emphasized, plays a pivotal role in these transformative endeavours by providing skills for industry, fostering entrepreneurship, and addressing youth unemployment.
Expressing heartfelt appreciation, Minister Nxumalo extended gratitude to the Taiwan Government for their generous donation of state-of-the-art TVET equipment.
This donation, he noted, has been instrumental in empowering students, trainers, and educators, enabling them to explore new horizons and embrace innovation.
“To our part-time students, seize the opportunities before you,” urged Minister Nxumalo. “In this rapidly evolving world, complacency is our greatest adversary. Embrace lifelong learning, update your skills, and remain relevant.”
The Minister made emphasis on the commitment to TVET as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between theory and practice. As the ceremony concluded.
Minister of Labour and Social Security Phila Buthelezi highlighted that the government is paying more focus to human capital development as a source of poverty reduction and economic growth.
Both Ministries expressed satisfaction with the work that Taiwan is doing to help the Kingdom of Eswatini.
