SWAZILAND 2. Ministry of Education Category 1 - WEBSITE www.gov.sz The website is fairly furnished. The information is usable. However, there is no current information. The website is the most detailed one of the government’s ministries and departments. It contains the functions, and implementation of international programmes within its mandate, such as the Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It also contains statistics and some information on budget allocations. n = 20 Yes No Partial • 1. Does this website contain up to date information? Additional Information The news and events page does not provide any information 2. Does the website contain: a) A description of its powers as well as data on the organizational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? • b) A list of laws, acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers? • TThe Ministry does list laws and policies it issued within its cope. Such include the review of the Education Act and the Teaching Services Commission Act and Regulations. Also, it says, The Education Rules Act of 1977 still to be reviewed. c) Reports, policies, programs? d) Budget and expenditure? • e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? • f) Vacancies and employment procedures? • g) The name, the address, the telephone number and the working hours of the respective institution? h) The contact details of public officials? • i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? • • Only programs and policies • No information on working hours Total Score: 10/20 Category 2- Requests for Information The following questions were sent to the Ministry of Education’s office: 1. Does your office have an information desk or officer? 2. Does your office have a website? 3. If so, how often is your website updated, and who is in charge of your website? 4. There have been widespread complaints regarding the declining standards of education in the nation, especially in high school. What is the ministry doing about this? 5. Is the education system adequately preparing young people (all graduating young people from all learning institutions) with the skills required to enter the modern job market? 64