Sebenta National Institute

Sebenta National Institute stands as a pillar of adult and non-formal education in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Strategically located along Somhlolo Road, opposite the Swaziland College of Technology in Mbabane, this public enterprise operates under the Ministry of Education. Its core mandate is to provide a variety of services that enable people to achieve personal goals through Adult Basic Literacy and Non-formal Education. The institute is deeply committed to uplifting marginalized and disadvantaged communities, believing that the ability to communicate, read, write, and speak with confidence is the key to national development. For decades, Sebenta has worked to reduce illiteracy rates and empower Swazi citizens to become drivers of their own development.

The organization is structured to serve the entire country, from rural villages to peri-urban centers. It operates on the belief that a truly developed nation cannot leave any citizen behind. By offering free and accessible learning opportunities, Sebenta National Institute bridges the gap between formal education systems and the practical needs of a diverse population. The institute’s approach is holistic, combining literacy with life skills, vocational training, and community mobilization to foster self-reliance and improved standards of living. Its work aligns with national goals of poverty reduction and sustainable socio-economic growth across the Hhohho District and beyond.

Our Mission and Vision for Lifelong Learning

At the heart of Sebenta National Institute is a mission to provide adult education and training to all communities throughout the Kingdom of Eswatini, enhancing their quality of life. The institute is dedicated to helping people read, write, and speak with greater competency. This foundational mission supports broader objectives, including effective communication, coping with a modern world, and mastering independent study skills. Ultimately, this empowerment improves chances for meaningful employment and the initiation of self-help projects that transform communities.

The vision of the institute is to promote a culture of lifelong learning among the marginalized and disadvantaged members of the Swazi nation. By fostering this culture, Sebenta ensures that learners are not just recipients of knowledge but become active participants in their own socio-economic progress. The organization strives to make education a continuous, accessible, and transformative process. This commitment is reflected in its wide array of programs, which extend from basic reading and writing to advanced vocational skills and formal primary education equivalency.

Core Programs and Educational Services

The institute runs a structured curriculum designed to meet learners at their individual starting points and guide them toward sustainable outcomes. Each program is developed with specific objectives, target groups, and practical applications in mind. The educational pathway includes basic literacy, advanced language and numeracy skills, and formal primary education certification.

Basic Literacy and Numeracy

The foundational Basic Literacy course operates in SiSwati and runs over nine months. It provides essential skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic to adults and out-of-school youth. Beyond basic skills, the course creates awareness of social and economic development, encouraging learners to participate actively in community transformation. This program is often the first step for individuals who never had the opportunity to attend formal schooling.

English and Post-Basic Education

Upon completing the SiSwati literacy program, learners advance to a two-year Basic and Post-Basic English and Numeracy course. This program opens doors to further education, as English is the primary medium of instruction in formal schools and many employment sectors. The curriculum strengthens written and spoken English proficiency, equipping students to continue their educational journey or integrate more effectively into the workforce. It serves as a critical bridge for those transitioning to formal secondary schooling or vocational training.

Non-Formal Upper Primary Education (NUPE)

The NUPE program is a flagship initiative introduced to provide a formal educational qualification equivalent to the Swaziland Primary Certificate (Grade 7). It addresses the needs of learners who have completed basic literacy but are, due to age or circumstance, unable to re-enter the conventional school system. NUPE is a learner-centered, competence-based course covering six subjects: English, SiSwati, Mathematics, Social Studies, Belief Systems, and Science. Its curriculum builds on existing knowledge and fosters self-confidence, self-reliance, and analytical thinking. Graduates can seamlessly proceed to secondary education, unlocking new academic and employment prospects.

Vocational and Skills Training for Economic Empowerment

Recognizing that literacy must be paired with tangible income-generating skills, Sebenta National Institute places a strong emphasis on vocational education. These practical courses are designed to create immediate pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. The skills development section offers intensive, hands-on training in several high-demand trades.

• Building, Blockmaking, and Construction: A comprehensive 24-month course covering modern construction techniques, block manufacturing, and building practices, enabling graduates to work in the growing local construction sector.
• Carpentry and Joinery: A 12-month program that teaches precision woodworking, furniture making, and joinery skills, essential for both the formal housing market and bespoke craftsmanship.
• Sewing and Fashion Design: A 6-month course that trains learners in garment creation, tailoring, and fashion design, supporting opportunities in the textile industry and small business development.

These courses are open to both Sebenta literacy graduates and individuals from the formal school system who seek practical skills. The vocational section also runs active production projects, including knitting, crocheting, and fence making, giving learners real-world experience while generating income to support the institute's operations.

Serving Mbabane and the Entire Kingdom of Eswatini

Sebenta National Institute is headquartered in Mbabane, within the Hhohho District, but its impact radiates to every corner of Eswatini. Field operations and regional supervision are a cornerstone of its administrative structure, ensuring that learning reaches even the most remote rural communities. The institute collaborates closely with Tinkhundla centres, Regional Administration Offices, and local community leadership, including Chiefs’ Kraals, to mobilize learners and deliver services effectively.

This decentralized approach ensures that learners do not have to travel long distances to access education. Classes are often set up within villages after working hours, making it convenient for farmers, domestic workers, and other community members to attend. The institute’s partnership with the government extends to the Non-Formal Primary Education program, which utilizes selected primary schools in the afternoons to teach over-aged children, thereby maximizing the use of existing community infrastructure.

Organizational Structure and Administrative Excellence

As a public enterprise, Sebenta National Institute operates under an Executive Board of Directors providing strategic leadership and policy guidance. Its administrative framework is divided into specialized departments that support the core educational mandate. The Education and Training Department encompasses Curriculum Development, Field Operations, and Monitoring and Evaluation sections, ensuring quality control from material creation to on-the-ground implementation.

Supporting services are equally robust. The institute maintains its own in-house printing press for producing literacy materials and official documents. A dedicated Finance and Administration section oversees fiscal management and administrative tasks, while a catering and accommodation facility originally designed for staff training now serves the external market at minimal charge. This integrated structure allows Sebenta to maintain high standards of service delivery while generating supplementary income to sustain its non-profit mission.

Why Students and Communities Choose Sebenta

Sebenta National Institute remains a trusted name in adult education because it delivers more than just academic knowledge; it delivers a pathway to dignity and self-sufficiency. For a population where formal schooling may have been interrupted by economic hardship or social barriers, the institute offers a second chance that is judgment-free and profoundly practical. The participatory teaching methods encourage learners to be partners in their education, not passive recipients.

The institution’s impact is measurable. By integrating life skills education into every program, learners gain competencies in health, civic participation, and financial literacy alongside reading and writing. The emphasis on community-initiated projects ensures that lessons translate into improved local development. The result is a cycle of empowerment: educated individuals build stronger families, which in turn build stronger communities, contributing to reduced poverty and a more engaged citizenry across Eswatini.

Hours, Location, and How to Enroll

The institute is open Monday through Friday, with hours from 07:00 to 16:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 17:00, making it accessible for working adults to visit administrative offices and seek information. The main campus is conveniently situated on Somhlolo Road in Mbabane, opposite the Swaziland College of Technology, a landmark location that is easy to find. For inquiries, prospective learners and community groups can reach out by telephone at +268 2404 2644 or by sending a message to sebenta@swazi.net.

Enrollment is designed to be community-friendly. Enquiries can also be made through local Regional Education Offices or Tinkhundla centres. The new learner evaluation process ensures individuals are placed directly into the program that matches their current competency, whether starting with SiSwati literacy or joining the advanced English and NUPE streams. The team is dedicated to helping every person who walks through the door find the right opportunity to grow.