A policy analysis of Swaziland's preparedness for the implementation of free secondary education (FSE)

[摘要] The end of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015 resulted in an expanded global effort to increase efforts at fighting poverty, eliminating inequality and protecting the planet. Consequently, an ambitious global agenda was agreed upon through what has become known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals seek to take over from the MDGs and are meant to be achieved by the year 2030. Goal 4.1 of the SDGs calls for the provision of free quality primary and secondary education by states as a means of realizing the right to education. Swaziland, being a state party to the United Nations, is expected to show practical commitment towards the implementation of this new agenda. This study sought to analyse whether or not this is the case and if there was policy clarity for the roll-out of Free Secondary Education (FSE) in the country. A systematic policy analysis approach was undertaken to understand the level of preparedness of the Swazi state for such an undertaking. Overall, the study found that while efforts were being made in this direction, there was no concrete policy clarity that would inform a robust implementation of FSE in the country. The study recommends that for goal 4.1 to be given meaningful impetus the Swazi government needs to clearly review and align its policies and practices with the view of implementing FSE.

[发布机构] University of the Free State