MBABANE: Dr Thambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development,has signed an agreement that will result to the country receiving R231million from the Government of Japan to support schools.
The signing of the Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement for the Improvement of Secondary Schools as well as the Exchange of Notes for the Food Assistance Programme, was also witnessed by Education Minister Owen Nxumalo, Government online platforms reported on Wednesday.
It has been reported that, the education agreement will result to the construction of four)4)new secondary schools fully equipped with educational equipment at Ngwenyameni, Lavumisa, New Thulwane and Maphungwane.
“Both projects mark a significant milestone in the Economic and Social Development Programme which forms part of the Technical Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of Eswatini. As one of our major development partners, Japan has always prioritised socio-economic development starting at the grassroots level, ensuring that even vulnerable groups of a nation have the capacity to pursue their life goals and live lives of dignity and value.May I take this opportunity to request that we re-instate the Official Development Assistance Policy Dialogue which was hindered by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Policy Dialogue provides an opportunity to present our development agenda, share ideas and evaluate our cooperation for improvements where possible”, said the Economic Planning Minister after the signing of the agreement on Wednesday.
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) SA Chief Representative OKADA Kaoru said the grant “is meant to promote inclusive”, education.
“As most of you know, this is the third project for construction of secondary schools in Eswatini as Japan’s Grant Aid, after the construction of 12 schools in 4 regions signed in 2011, and the construction of 4 secondary schools in 4 regions aimed at promoting Inclusive Education in 2017”, he said.
Speaking during the Freedom of Expression Indaba on Wednesday, Sibongile Mazibuko, the President of the Ngwane National Liberatory Congress(NNLC) accused the Tinkhundla regime of using poverty to benefit money from donors.
“Part of the money sourced from these donors benefits the King. So poverty will never be eradicated in this country because it’s a tool to get donors”, said the NNLC President.
PIC- GOV:Dr Thambo Gina(left) the Minister of Economic Planning and Development,has signed an agreement that will result to the country receiving R231million from the Government of Japan to support schools.