Tag Archives: Swaziland

Technical Innovations Improve Education in Africa & More

Technical Innovations Improve Education in Africa
The first high-speed Internet link between national research networks in Sub-Saharan Africa was launched last month when Zambia was linked up to South Africa by a cable passing through Zimbabwe. The link is expected to bring a wide variety of advantages and will be especially beneficial for the education sector and researchers in neighboring countries, who will now be able to link up to the network and participate in global e-learning opportunities. Read it here.

Boycotting Students Close University in Swaziland
Students protesting at Swaziland’s only state university have forced the university to close just eight days after the start of the semester. The boycott began over a dispute regarding scholarships the Swazi government was supposed to grant to students this year. Reports claim 700 people were granted places to study at Uniswa and other colleges in Swaziland but were denied scholarships. Read more here.

Senegal Makes Headway on Gender Equality
Senegal has been working through a historic shift of power that began last March, when the country’s 86-year-old president, Abdoulaye Wade, ceded electoral defeat to his popular rival Macky Sall. Not only has the country transitioned into a new president and new government, but now more women than ever are claiming their spot in public office. In fact, 64 of the 150 new representatives in the national assembly are women, a landmark step towards gender equality. Hawa Ba, Senegal officer at the Dakar-based Open Society Initiative for West Africa, says, “Having this record number of female parliamentarians is excellent not only for women in Senegal but in the entire sub-region.” Read more here.

Higher Education Rates Decline in Cuba
University enrollment in Cuba is down over 25 percent from last year, which has some officials worried. Many attribute the steep decline to the fact that Cuba is in the process of reforming their higher education system. The changes include tougher university entrance exams, encouragement for students to major in the agricultural and technical sciences, fewer enrollment places in the humanities, and more training outside of universities for technicians and skilled workers. Read it all here.

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Afghanistan’s Future & Women, Strike in Swaziland & More

 


 

 

Swazi Students Suffer as Teacher Strike Escalates

Swaziland’s largest teacher’s union recently called a strike in response to the government’s refusal to offer a salary increase and improve school facilities.  The conflict has spread across the country and government spokesman Percy Simelane says all teachers who taking part in the strike will be fired. Teachers claim the students are the real victims, who have inadequate learning environments. Although principals have been ordered by the government to keep school doors open, many students are joining their teachers in the strike.  Read more here.

Madagascar Launches Online Research Network
Earlier this month Madagascar launched an online research network that promotes discussion among worldwide researchers, students and policymakers. The project will provide new opportunities for Madagascar’s six state universities and three higher institutes of technology to connect and share knowledge as well as improve learning and research activities. Read it here.

Kenya Government Determines Funds for Sanitary Towels
The Kenya Treasury allocated Sh300 million for the 2012/2013 financial year that will help girls from poor families have access to free sanitary towels–but the towels will only benefit those in primary school. Read it here.

Afghanistan’s Future Depends on Women
As foreign troops leave Afghanistan, the future of the country is uncertain. However, their success or failure will largely depend on whether or not Afghans, especially women, are given their basic needs. In order to tackle big problems–such as one of the highest female illiteracy rates in the world–civilian protection must be a top priority for the government. Read all the details here.

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