In 2008 the Council of Swaziland Churches advocated for free primary education for children in Swaziland, through advocacy and litigation as provided for in the Swazi constitution of 2005. Although this did not result in implantation of the constitutional provision in full, policies were put in place, implementing Education for All (EFA) incrementally, starting with Grades 1 and 2 and adding a grade each year after it. Since then Free Primary Education (FPE) and EFA has increased participation and provided children from the poor strata of society with opportunities to access education. However, FPE comes with its own challenges, such as limited infrastructure, inadequate learning facilities, and a question of the sustainability of the both FPE and EFA. This project will track the implementation of the Free Primary Education programme and other commitments made by the government in advancing the right to education in Swaziland. The specific objectives of the project are to conduct an assessment of the extent of the implementation of FPE programme; to determine trends of government spending on education and its implications while establishing funding mechanisms for FPE; and to make policy recommendations on the planning and implementation of FPE. Findings will also analyse what is happening to children whose grades are currently not being covered by FPE. Information generated from this project will be critical in influencing government on how to effectively deliver Free Primary Education.
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