CULTURE COMES ALIVE IN CLASSROOMS AS ESWATINI LAUNCHES SCHOOLS CULTURAL VILLAGES

By Ntokozo Zwane

Eswatini is strengthening the connection between education, culture and heritage with the official launch of Schools Cultural Villages, an initiative designed to give learners practical opportunities to experience and appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Officially launched by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo, the initiative forms part of the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, bringing cultural learning beyond textbooks and into practical experiences.

The programme seeks to equip learners with knowledge and skills that extend beyond academic achievement, while strengthening their understanding of identity, traditions and cultural roots.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Nxumalo emphasised the importance of holistic education and ensuring young people remain connected to their heritage as they prepare for the modern world.

“Education is not merely about academic achievement; it is about holistic development, personal identity, and preparing our young people to navigate the world without losing touch with who they are,” he said.

Through the Schools Cultural Villages, learners will explore traditional crafts, participate in traditional dances, engage in storytelling, prepare traditional foods and experience educational simulations of cultural ceremonies.

The initiative will also create opportunities for schools to showcase cultural talents through interschool cultural events, allowing learners to exchange knowledge, celebrate their heritage and build confidence.

PRESERVING HERITAGE THROUGH EDUCATION

The initiative presents an important intersection between education, cultural preservation and tourism.

By introducing learners to traditional crafts, indigenous knowledge, food, dance and storytelling, Schools Cultural Villages can help ensure cultural practices are passed on to future generations.

The programme could also support talent identification and development in areas such as performing arts, traditional crafts, culinary heritage and storytelling. Over time, these skills could contribute to Eswatini’s creative and cultural industries.

The initiative further positions schools as spaces where Indigenous Knowledge Systems can be preserved and experienced, helping learners develop a deeper appreciation of the traditions and values that shape Eswatini’s national identity.

BUILDING FUTURE CULTURAL AMBASSADORS

Culture remains an important part of the tourism experience, particularly for visitors seeking authentic encounters with local traditions and communities.

Schools Cultural Villages could therefore help nurture a generation of culturally informed young people who understand, value and can confidently share Eswatini’s heritage.

Beyond the classroom, the programme has the potential to contribute to cultural preservation while developing future cultural ambassadors, creative practitioners and tourism storytellers capable of presenting Eswatini’s heritage to audiences at home and around the world.

As the programme develops, its impact could be reflected not only in what learners know, but in how confidently they preserve, celebrate and creatively interpret Eswatini’s cultural heritage for generations to come.