FACTORS INFLUENCING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PRE-VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN ESWATINI HIGH SCHOOLS

Abstract

The Pre-Vocational Education (PVE) programme in Eswatini was introduced in 2002 to sixteen (16) schools as pilot schools. The programme was supposed to have been implemented in all high schools in Eswatini but up to date, the programme is only being offered in the pilot schools. The purpose of this study was therefore, to determine factors affecting the implementation of the PVE programme to all high schools in Eswatini. This study employed the mixed methods research using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research design used was the descriptive survey. Purposive sampling was used to select 16 school principals, 64 teachers and 64 students from the 16 schools that offer PVE across the country. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews for qualitative data and survey questionnaires for quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data while SPSS Version 23.0 was used to for quantitative data. Findings of the study revealed that the major factors affecting the implementation of the PVE programme were inadequate resources such as equipment and lack of specialist teachers for the programme. The study concluded that the programme was underfunded and could not sustain on meager levies from the parents as the government could no longer fund the programme due to the economic meltdown. The study therefore recommends that PVE schools partner with non-governmental organisations and other private entities to exploit the resources available at the same time exposing students to real life situations. The Ministry of Education should liaise with tertiary institutions to offer Pre-Vocational Education training.