Swaziland SABER Country Report EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT 2013 Policy Goals Status 1. Establishing an Enabling Environment Swaziland has comprehensive policies and strategies in place for the provision of ECD services. The National Children’s Policy (2008) and the National Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Guidelines lay the foundation for programs and policies to support children and mothers. Due to the recent free primary education initiative, the National Children’s Coordination Unit is investing more time and resources into promoting ECCE initiatives. Nonetheless, ECD budget allocations remain a major constraint for the development of the sector. 2. Implementing Widely The Government of Swaziland (GoS) has essential social and child protection programs in place, but the health, nutrition, and education sectors are lacking in both service provision and scope of programs. Availability of HIV/AIDS services and programs, including Antiretroviral Therapy and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, has increased since 2000, but program coverage rates remain low throughout the country. The GoS is making targeted efforts to increase the provision of programs in poor and rural areas. 3. Monitoring and Assuring Quality Aside from MISC, the GoS collects little to no data on ECD indicators. Recently, relevant government ministries have shown support for the development of guidelines and standards for ECD programs in order to effectively monitor progress. Although registration and accreditation procedures for ECCE centers are in place, there are no data to indicate whether centers are complying with the protocols as described in the Ministry of Education and Training’s ECCE Guidelines. As of January 31, 2017, in-country validation of this report had not taken place. Information on Swaziland’s ECD system was collected in 2013. Consequently, potential policy options may have diminished or varying relevance depending on current circumstances in Swaziland and in the sector. SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 This report presents an analysis of the Early Childhood In 2010, the Government of Swaziland (GoS) began Development (ECD) programs and policies that affect enforcing the country’s new constitutional mandate to young children in Swaziland and recommendations ensure that a child’s first two years of schooling are free. to move forward. This report is part of a series of reports Soon after, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) prepared by the World Bank using the SABER-ECD advocates, including the National Children’s Coordination framework 1 and includes analysis of early learning, Unit (NCCU) within the Ministry of Education and Training health, nutrition, and social and child protection policies (MoET), began strategizing for increased federal support and interventions in Swaziland, along with regional and for ECD, in particular ECCE. international comparisons. Swaziland’s Education Policy (2011) includes an ECCE Swaziland and Early Childhood subsector that lays the foundation for ECCE objectives and Development strategies. The goal of this policy is to prioritize the expansion of equitable access to early learning in order to Swaziland is a lower middle-income country with a accommodate every young child in Swaziland from 3 to 6 population of 1.23 million inhabitants. The country is years old. Standardization of curriculum and enforcement ranked 141st in the UNDP Human Development Index. of registration and accreditation procedures for ECCE have The country has a Gross National Income of $2,860 per also developed in recent years. The National Children’s person, with 63% of the population living below the Policy (2008) aims to provide policy guidelines to ensure poverty line. adequate care and protection for children, especially orphaned and vulnerable children (OVC). The policy Approximately 50% of the population in Swaziland is describes detailed strategies for addressing pressing issues below the age of 18, with more than 158,000 of the and meeting objectives as they relate to children. population between the ages of 0 and 5. The country struggles with high poverty rate for young children, high The GoS has put in place ECD policies that support the under-5 mortality rate, and low preprimary school development of children and mothers. The ECD sector still enrollment rate. Table 1 presents a snapshot of ECD lacks strong inter-sectoral coordination between indicators in Swaziland with regional comparisons. government ministries. Appropriate budget allocations are lacking to equitably meet the needs of all children and mothers. Further support is necessary to develop ECCE standards and ensure compliance. Table 1: Snapshot of ECD indicators in Swaziland with regional comparisons Swaziland The Gambia Liberia Ghana Sierra Leone Infant Mortality (deaths per 1,000 live births, 2010) 69 58 58 52 119 Below 5 Mortality (deaths per 1,000 live births, 2010) 104 101 78 78 185 Moderate & Severe Stunting (Below 5, 2006-2010) 31% 24% 42% 28% 44% Net Preprimary Enrollment Rate (3-6 years, 2010) 23% 30% N/A 114% 7% Birth registration (2010) 50% 53% 4% 63% 78% Source: UNICEF, 2011 1 SABER-ECD is one domain within the World Bank initiative, Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER), which is designed to provide comparable and comprehensive assessments of country policies. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 2 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 1: Three core ECD policy goals Systems Approach to Better Education Results – Early Childhood Development (SABER-ECD) SABER – ECD collects, analyzes and disseminates comprehensive information on ECD policies around the world. In each participating country, extensive multi- sectoral information is collected on ECD policies and programs through a desk review of available government documents, data and literature, and interviews with a range of ECD stakeholders, including government officials, service providers, civil society, development partners and scholars. The SABER-ECD framework presents a holistic and integrated assessment of how the Strengthening ECD policies can be viewed as a overall policy environment in a country affects young continuum; as described in Table 2 on the following children’s development. This assessment can be used to page, countries can range from a latent to advanced level identify how countries address the same policy of development within the different policy levers and challenges related to ECD, with the ultimate goal of goals. designing effective policies for young children and their Box 1: A checklist to consider how well ECD is promoted at families. the country level What should be in place at the country level to promote Box 1 presents an abbreviated list of interventions and coordinated and integrated ECD interventions for young policies that the SABER-ECD approach looks for in children and their families? countries when assessing the level of ECD policy Health care development. This list is not exhaustive, but is meant to • Standard health screenings for pregnant women provide an initial checklist for countries to consider the • Skilled attendants at delivery key policies and interventions needed across sectors. • Childhood immunizations • Well-child visits Three Key Policy Goals for Early Childhood Nutrition Development • Breastfeeding promotion SABER-ECD identifies three core policy goals that • Salt iodization countries should address to ensure optimal ECD • Iron fortification outcomes: Establishing an Enabling Environment, Early Learning Implementing Widely and Monitoring and Assuring • Parenting programs (during pregnancy, after delivery and throughout early childhood) Quality. Improving ECD requires an integrated approach • High quality childcare for working parents to address all three goals. As described in Figure 1, for • Free preprimary school (preferably at least two years each policy goal, a series of policy levers are identified, with developmentally appropriate curriculum and through which decision-makers can strengthen ECD. classrooms, and quality assurance mechanisms) Social Protection • Services for orphans and vulnerable children • Policies to protect rights of children with special needs and promote their participation/ access to ECD services • Financial transfer mechanisms or income supports to reach the most vulnerable families (could include cash transfers, social welfare, etc.) SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 3 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Child Protection • Mandated birth registration • Job protection and breastfeeding breaks for new mothers • Specific provisions in judicial system for young children • Guaranteed paid parental leave of least six months • Domestic violence laws and enforcement • Tracking of child abuse (especially for young children) • Training for law enforcement officers in regards to the particular needs of young children SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 4 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 2 ECD policy goals and levels of development Level of Development Minimal legal framework; Non-existent legal Regulations in some Developed legal framework; Establishing an some programs with framework; ad-hoc sectors; functioning inter- robust inter-institutional Enabling sustained financing; some financing; low inter- sectoral coordination; coordination; sustained Environment inter-sectoral sectoral coordination. sustained financing. financing. coordination. Coverage expanding but Universal coverage; Low coverage; pilot Near-universal coverage in gaps remain; programs comprehensive strategies Implementing programs in some sectors; some sectors; established established in a few across sectors; integrated Widely high inequality in access programs in most sectors; sectors; inequality in services for all, some tailored and outcomes. low inequality in access. access and outcomes. and targeted. Information on outcomes Information on outcomes from Minimal survey data Information on outcomes at national, regional and national to individual levels; Monitoring available; limited at national level; standards local levels; standards for standards exist for all sectors; and Assuring standards for provision of for services exist in some services exist for most system in place to regularly Quality ECD services; no sectors; no system to sectors; system in place to monitor and enforce enforcement. monitor compliance. regularly monitor compliance. compliance. Policy Goal 1: Establishing an Enabling The GoS has yet to develop a multi-sectoral ECD policy. Environment The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is primarily responsible for the rollout of the ECD policy. Policy Levers: Legal Framework • Planification for an ECD policy is ongoing at the National Intersectoral Coordination • Finance level and covers the education, health, and nutrition An Enabling Environment is the foundation for the design sectors. No costed implementation plan or resource and implementation of effective ECD policies 2 . An mobilization plan for the development of an enabling environment consists of the following: the implementation plan exists. There is no expected date existence of an adequate legal and regulatory framework for the finalization of the ECD policy. to support ECD; coordination within sectors and across institutions to deliver services effectively; and, sufficient Although no multi-sectoral policy has been developed, fiscal resources with transparent and efficient allocation the government does provide a menu of integrated ECD mechanisms. services for young children. Many of these services, described in various policies, are of strategic importance Policy Lever 1.1: for the development of the ECD multi-sectoral policy. Legal Framework Box 2 presents key laws governing ECD in Swaziland. The The legal framework comprises all of the laws and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) section of regulations which can affect the development of young Swaziland’s Education Policy (2011), for example, children in a country. The laws and regulations which includes: policy objectives ensuring that all children ages impact ECD are diverse due to the array of sectors which 3 to 6 years have equal opportunity to access ECCE influence ECD and because of the different constituencies services; registration and accreditation procedures that ECD policy can and should target, including pregnant critical for ECCE centers and providers; and strategies for women, young children, parents, and caregivers. the provision of parental education programs. Swaziland’s National Children’s Policy (SNCP) has established policy guidelines that ensure appropriate interventions for the care and protection of children. The 2 Brinkerhoff, 2009; Britto, Yoshikawa & Boller, 2011; Vargas-Baron, 2005 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 5 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 policy is comprehensive and includes a wide range of strategies for providing tailored services for the services for children in the education, health, and community. nutrition sectors. The SNCP is the product of the multi- sectoral collaboration between the Prime Minister’s National laws and regulations promote the appropriate office, various ministerial bodies, and civil society and dietary consumption of pregnant women and children. international partners. Born out of a response to Salt iodization and food fortification policies are international and regional human rights legislation, established in Swaziland. The Salt Iodization Policy (1997) including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child mandates salt iodization. Since the policy’s inception, (1990) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare consumption of iodized salt has increased, with of the Child (1990), the SNCP serves as an expression of consumption currently at 52%. The food fortification the government’s intention to address children’s issues policy, Wheat and Maize Flour Fortification (2010), and protect and promote their welfare, as set by encourages iron fortification of staples like wheat, maize, international standards. and rice. Box 2: Key laws governing ECD in Swaziland National laws in Swaziland offer inadequate workplace ECD Laws in Swaziland security and benefits for pregnant women. Swaziland’s • National Children’s Policy (2008) Employment Act (1980) mandates the provision of a 12- • Education Policy (2011) • Disability Policy (2013) week maternity leave to expectant mothers, only 2 • Fortification Standards (2010) weeks of which are paid. In order to be eligible for • Salt Iodization Policy (1997) maternity leave, women must have been employed by • National Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding the employer for a minimum of 12 months. The Act (2010) allows for an unpaid extension of 6 weeks in the event • Nutrition and HIV Guidelines (2007) • National Guidelines on Integrated Management of Acute that further medical attention or rest is required. Female Malnutrition (2008) employees who return from maternity leave are allotted • Employment Act (1980) a one-hour nursing break for 3 months following maternity leave. Any employee who has requested The focus of the SNCP is on children between the ages maternity leave within the last 24 months will not be of 0 and 18, but special emphasis is placed on the authorized for a second maternity leave before 24 vulnerable populations, including children with months have passed. Table 3 presents a regional HIV/AIDS, children with special needs, and children comparison of maternity and paternity leave policies in who have suffered any kind of abuse. Swaziland is a Swaziland and select African countries. country categorized by high income inequality (GINI Table 3 Regional comparison of maternity and paternity leave index, 51.5), with 69% of its citizens under the poverty policies line, and an HIV/AIDs epidemic that is on the rise. Swaziland The Gambia Liberia Ghana Therefore, the focus of the programs and prevention 12 weeks with 24 weeks 90 days 84 days paid strategies within SNCP has been on marginalized groups. 2 weeks paid maternity paid maternity The SNCP begins with the rights of the child and includes for women; no leave for maternity leave at relevant existing international and national legislation leave for women; 10 leave at 100% salary that also supports the development of the child. The fathers days of 100% salary for women; strategies include food and nutrition issues, education, paternity for women; no leave for care and support, psychosocial support, socio-economic leave for no leave for fathers security, health, disabilities, and child protection and fathers fathers legal support. Through strategic interventions Source: ILO, 2013 implemented by different ministerial bodies, the policy established a comprehensive platform for the healthy development of children, especially the OVC population. In addition, the National Plan of Action for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (NPAOVC) and the Social Protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (SPOVC) also serve as precursors to this policy and include additional SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 6 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Policy Lever 1.2: 3. Develop legal framework to regulate the ECCD Intersectoral Coordination sector in Swaziland 4. Regulate ECD training Development in early childhood is a multi-dimensional 5. Review and make recommendations for the process. 3 In order to meet children’s diverse needs during National ECD policy the early years, government coordination is essential, 6. Develop framework for ECD advocacy at all both horizontally across different sectors as well as levels vertically from the local to national levels. In many 7. Mobilize resources for ECD countries, non-state actors (either domestic or 8. Lobby for ECCD policy finalization international) participate in ECD service delivery; for this reason, mechanisms to coordinate with non-state actors Coordination meetings between the various are also essential. implementing partners at the subnational level are held semi-annually. The NCCU coordinates the ECD Forum on An institutional anchor has been established to a bi-monthly basis while the Ministry of Tinkhundla coordinate ECD across sectors. Swaziland’s National Administration and Development coordinates meetings Children’s Coordinating Unit (NCCU) was established in with the National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) 2009. As principal coordinator of ECD programming, the and implementing partners on a monthly basis. Through NCCU plays a critical role in the development of forums and meetings, the various stakeholders and Swaziland’s comprehensive ECD policy. Figure 2 shows ministerial bodies have developed a menu of ECD the relationship between the NCCU and the ministerial services in the education, health, nutrition, and social bodies. This framework has been used to coordinate and child protection sectors. Table 4 portrays the roles of overall activities and services for children between the respective ECCD stakeholders. Within each of the ages of 0 and 18. sectors, the relevant ministry has an ECD specialist in the unit whose mandate is the overall coordination of ECD The overall purpose of the NCCU is as follows: programs. 1. Coordinate ECD programming 2. Foster collaboration and information sharing between ECD partners Figure 2: Institutional anchor-National Children's Coordination Unit 3 Naudeau et al., 2011; UNESCO-OREALC, 2004; Neuman, 2007 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 7 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 4: Roles of ECCD Stakeholders Year 2009 2010 2011 2012 1,512,093,139 SZL 456,747,467 SZL 1,960,000,126 SZL Total public expenditure on education NA 145,379,290 USD 43,493,662 USD 188,583,691 USD Total public expenditure on education as a NA NA NA NA percentage of government expenditures 627,474 SZL 745,653 SZL 3,463,573 SZL Total public expenditure on ECCE NA 60,328 USD 71,690 USD 333,003 USD Total public expenditure on ECCE as a 0.04% 0.16% NA 0.18% percentage of government expenditures ECCE spending in poorer regions. To date, an allotment Policy Lever 1.3: of approximately $6,000 USD is reserved for the procurement of teaching and learning materials in the Finance While legal frameworks and intersectoral coordination poorer areas. The GoS has no coordination mechanisms are crucial to establishing an enabling environment for in place to determine ECD budgets with the other ECD, adequate financial investment is key to ensure that ministries that support ECD efforts. resources are available to implement policies and achieve service provision goals. Investments in ECD can yield The GoS has very limited budget information on ECD high public returns, but are often undersupplied without spending. Limited data on public expenditure for ECCE government support. Investments during the early years and education spending are presented in Table 5. Also can yield greater returns than equivalent investments included in Table 6 is limited information on the amount made later in a child’s life cycle and can lead to long- of donor financing available for education and ECD lasting intergenerational benefits 4 . Not only do related projects and programs from 2006 to 2013. investments in ECD generate high and persistent returns, Table 5: Public expenditure on Education/ECCE they can also enhance the effectiveness of other social ECCD Stakeholder Role investments and help governments address multiple Regulate education component of ECCD priorities with single investments. through the preparation and MoET (Ministry of implementation of rules, regulations, and Education and ECD budget allocations are not coordinated between structures as well as the provision of Training) the various government ministries and the sectors lack supporting guidelines that will facilitate transparent budget processes. Criteria to determine stronger control over ECCD centers ECD spending levels is used in only one sector- education. MoHSW (Ministry Address health and nutrition needs of of Health and children through policy and program The GoS uses poverty levels to determine the level of Social Welfare) development ECCE spending in poorer regions. To date, an allotment Community Development Department – of approximately $6,000 USD is reserved for the MoTinkhundla and develop community based ECCD programs procurement of teaching and learning materials in the Regional especially at Neighborhood Care Points Development poorer areas. The GoS has no coordination mechanisms (NCPs) in place to determine ECD budgets with the other DPMs Office/ Ensure welfare of children ministries that support ECD efforts. Dept. of Social through policy and program development Welfare Develop ECCD programming that ECD budget allocations are not coordinated between NGOs complements government programs the various government ministries and the sectors lack (mainly at NCPs) transparent budget processes. Criteria to determine NCCU (National ECCD sector coordinating unit ECD spending levels is used in only one sector- education. Children’s The GoS uses poverty levels to determine the level of Coordination Unit) 4 Valerio & Garcia, 2012; WHO, 2005; Hanushek & Kimko, 2000; Hanushek & Luque, 2003 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 8 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 6: Donor financial support for all education and ECD Policy Options to Strengthen the Enabling related projects Environment for ECD in Swaziland Name of Financial Contribution Legal framework: External Donor 585,000 USD for all Education and  The GoS, together with relevant ministries, could UNICEF (2013) 237,000 USD for ECD develop and implement the multi-sectoral ECD EU (2006 to 602,370 USD for all Education and policy. Swaziland has a long history of battling 2013) ECD inadequacies and inequity in service provision. The country has also struggled with resource The level of finance for ECD services is inadequate to mobilization for ECCE. The development and meet the needs of children of Swaziland. The GoS adoption of a multi-sectoral policy would help to utilizes less than 1% of the education budget on ECCE- a support resource mobilization through the level of finance that is considered inadequate to meet inclusion of sector-specific strategies and the needs of Swaziland’s children. Government spending objectives. Implementation of the policy would in ECCE is matched by parent fees for education help in accomplishing some of the goals and materials and salaries. Parents are required to pay fees objectives as set forth by various policies, including in both public and private ECCE centers for tuition, Swaziland’s Education Policy, which recognizes the matriculation, uniform, meals, assessment, desks, high returns for investment in the formative years teacher salary, parent teacher association, and of a child’s life. The GoS could consider further transportation. Other ECD sectors are also affected by developing and implementing their multi-sectoral limited government financing. ECD policy in order to meet its objectives related to child development. The policy should clearly Parents are responsible for essential health and articulate the roles and responsibilities of the nutrition services. Compared to other countries in the relevant ministerial bodies. region, Swaziland’s out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of all private health expenditure is low, still  Swaziland’s National Children’s Policy is an fees levied on citizens are an impediment to greater example of a multi-sectoral, comprehensive access to health services. Table 7 presents a regional policy that addresses the rights of the child. The comparison of select health expenditure indicators. Policy has initiated the full implementation of Parents are charged for labor and delivery, emergency programs and interventions included in the policy. services for young children, and insecticide-treated bed The policy is an example of a document that was nets for pregnant women and children, malaria developed with the support and funding of treatment, and PMTCT and ART services. different levels of government and stakeholders. It is a culmination of 5 years of collaboration with Table 7: Regional comparison of select health many stakeholders, and reviewed by the Child expenditure indicators 5 The Sierra Protection Network, a committee of more than Swaziland Ethiopia Mali Gambia Leone 300 organizations. The process by which this policy Out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of all 43% 48% 90% 80% 99% was created and the commitment of such a large private health expenditure network serves as an example to the ECD Out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of total 15% 21% 79% 37% 53% committee responsible for drafting and health expenditures implementing the ECD policy. Government expenditure on 10 % 2% 13% 5% 5% health as a percentage of GDP Routine EPI vaccines Intersectoral Coordination: financed by government, No data 100% No data 5% 20% 2010  The GoS may consider strengthening the roles and Source: WHO Global Health Expenditure Database, 2012 responsibilities of the ECD coordinating body- the NCCU. . As it stands, the role of the NCCU is to coordinate ECD at the National level. Meetings for the NCCU are organized with National-level representatives from each SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 9 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 of the relevant governing bodies. In order for more Box 3: Example of a comprehensive multi-sectoral strategy adequate planning and effective implementation of the ECD policy, it is important that subnational and local or Chile’s Crece Contigo, a Multi-sectoral Policy regional representatives be involved in the planning process. Without input from more than National level Summary: A multi-sectoral ECD policy is a comprehensive government representatives, the NCCU risks developing document that articulates the services provided to children an ill-informed ECD policy, inadequate for the needs of and key stakeholders involved, including responsibilities of children. The GoS also risks lack of buy-in from local service providers and policy makers. The policy should also present the legal and regulatory framework in a country and governments who will ultimately be responsible for the address any possible gaps. Typically, a policy can include a set successful implementation of ECD services in their of goals or objectives and an implementation plan that respective regions. The NCCU should consider scaling up outlines how they will be achieved. The benefits of doing so the frequency of meetings as well as assigning a specific are manifold. The preparation process requires all ECD representative from each of the relevant stakeholders to contribute, which in turn promotes a more government organizations. Designation of a specific ECD holistic, synergetic approach to ECD and identifies possible representative instead of a more general representative duplication of objectives by individual stakeholders. Another will assist in ensuring that the focus of the ECD policy benefit is that the policy framework clarifies the boundaries planning remains on young children and mothers as within which all stakeholders are to operate and can create opposed to a broader population, e.g., children of all accountability mechanisms. ages. Box 3 is an example of a multi-sectoral ECD policy One such example is Chile Crece Contigo (“Chile Grows With that has been informed by various levels of government You”, CCC), an intersectoral policy introduced in 2005. The and focuses on the early stages of a child’s life. multi-disciplinary approach is designed to achieve high quality ECD by protecting children from conception with Finance: relevant and timely services that provide opportunities for  The GoS could consider increasing ECD budget early stimulation and development. A core element of the system is that it provides differentiated support and allocations in order to more adequately meet the needs guarantees children from the poorest 40% of household’s key of children and mothers. The level of finance available services, including free access to preprimary school. for ECD services is inadequate for adequate ECD service Furthermore, the CCC mandates provision of services for provision. In recent years, budget allocations for ECD orphans and vulnerable children and children with special services have decreased due to tightened ministerial needs. The creation and implementation of the CCC has been budgets and the necessity to increase budget allocations accomplished through a multi-sectoral, highly synergistic in other areas of priority. This has hindered access to approach at all levels of government. At the central level, the services in poorer communities. It is critical that the Presidential Council is responsible for the development, NCCU prioritize budget allocations during policy planning, and budgeting of the program. At each of the development meetings. Budget allocations should be national, regional, provincial, and local levels there are indicative of the needs of children and mothers, and institutional bodies tasked with supervision and support, special attention should be paid to subgroups in most operative action, as well as development, planning and need, including those in poorer, rural areas and children budgeting for each respective level. The Chile Crece Contigo with special needs. It is also advised that the GoS revise Law (No. 20.379) was created in 2009. the way ECD expenditures are reported by ministerial Key considerations for Swaziland: bodies. Only a few sectors are able to report accurate 1. Multi-sectoral policy that articulates responsibilities for ECD expenditures and budget appropriations remain an each level of government autonomous decision by each ministerial body. It is 2. Differentiated support likely informed by different critical that budget appropriations become a levels of government coordinated effort across ministries. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 10 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Policy Goal 2: Implementing Widely The health and nutrition sectors have a limited scope of  Policy Levers: Scope of Programs • basic programs designed to target mothers and Coverage •Equity children. The antenatal healthcare program for Implementing Widely refers to the scope of ECD expecting mothers is one of the more developed health programs available, the extent of coverage (as a share of programs provided throughout Swaziland. The program the eligible population) and the degree of equity within includes antenatal care plus PMTCT services for ECD service provision. By definition, a focus on ECD approximately 33,000 mothers. Little information exists involves (at a minimum) interventions in health, on the programs provided for children in the country. nutrition, education, and social and child protection, and The MoHSW is responsible for the country’s should target pregnant women, young children and their immunization program that provides vaccinations for parents and caregivers. A robust ECD policy should babies who are up to 14 weeks of age throughout the include programs in all essential sectors; provide country. Data indicates that in the month of March comparable coverage and equitable access across (2013) alone, 6,364 babies were vaccinated. Vaccinations regions and socioeconomic status – especially reaching included in the program are DPT, HEPB, and HIB3. the most disadvantaged young children and their families. The MoHSW has implemented the Growth Monitoring Program; a program designed to be administered throughout Swaziland. The Growth Monitoring Program Policy Lever 2.1: ensures that growth is monitored monthly and plotted Scope of Programs against the ages on the Child Health Card, issued to parents to ensure development standards are being met. Effective ECD systems have programs established in all Mothers and caretakers are offered nutritional essential sectors and ensure that every child and counseling for their children at every health expecting mothers have guaranteed access to the appointment completed by a health worker, irrespective essential services and interventions they need to live of the growth status of the child. If growth failure is healthfully. The scope of programs assesses the extent to detected, the mother or caretaker is immediately which ECD programs across key sectors reach all advised and the child is attended to accordingly. The beneficiaries. Figure 3 presents a summary of the key program ensures that children who are considered even interventions needed to support young children and their moderately malnourished be referred to the nearest families via different sectors at different stages in a therapeutic feeding center to participate in the Child child’s life. Supplementary Feeding Program. Figure 3: Essential interventions during different Swaziland has developed essential child and social periods of young children's development protection programs to target children with disabilities. In 1990, a Community-Based Rehabilitation Program was established to support services for children with disabilities. Based on feedback and increased need, this program was upgraded to a National Disability Unit housed within the MoHSW. Since then, the program has continued growing and the unit is now part of the Deputy Prime Minister’s office. In the past 15 years, other programs to target parents and children with disabilities have been developed, leading to a wider variety of programs in the country that ensure diverse needs are being met. Figure 4 shows the scope of ECD interventions in Swaziland by sector and target population. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 11 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 4: Scope of ECD interventions in Swaziland by Sector and Target Population Table 8: ECD programs and coverage in Swaziland Scale ECD Intervention Number of Regions Coverage Covered Education Preschool (excluding Grade 0) 4 24,139 Childcare or Daycare 4 17,097 Health Antenatal and newborn care (2011) 4 32,434 Integrated management of childhood illnesses and care for development N/A N/A Childhood wellness and growth monitoring 4 2322 National immunization program 4 6364 Nutrition Micronutrient support for pregnant women 4 N/A Food supplements for pregnant women 4 N/A Micronutrient support for young children 4 N/A Food supplements for young children 4 N/A Food fortification N/A N/A Breastfeeding promotion programs 4 N/A Anti-obesity programs encouraging healthy eating/exercise N/A N/A Feeding programs in preprimary/kindergarten schools 4 N/A Parenting Parenting integrated into health/community programs N/A N/A Home visiting programs to provide parenting messages N/A N/A Special Needs Programs for OVCs (Boarding schools & children’s homes) 4 190,000 Interventions for children with special (emotional and physical) needs N/A N/A Anti-poverty Cash transfers conditional on ECD services or enrollment N/A N/A Comprehensive A comprehensive system that tracks individual children’s needs 4 N/A SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 12 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 The Ministry of Labor and Social Security provides including Swaziland’s Oral Rehydration Program have vocational training geared towards self-employment also been impacted by low birth registration rates. Table and income generation for people with disabilities. The 9 and 10 present a regional comparison of level of access purpose of the training program is to empower people to essential health and nutrition services for young with disabilities and provide them with relevant children and pregnant women. The rates for infants and entrepreneurial skills necessary for self-employment and pregnant mothers who receive the services are slightly income generation. Vocational training is provided in 3 higher, showing increasing government support and rehabilitations centers throughout the country. The progress since the program started. program targets poorer parents and caretakers with the objective to equip them with the skills they need to Table 9: Regional comparison of level of access to birth successfully find employment and provide for their registration children. In order to address the education needs of The Sierra Swaziland Ghana Mali children with disabilities, the Special Education Unit Gambia Leone within the MoET leads the provision of special and Birth registration 50% 53% 78% 63% 81% inclusive education beginning in primary schools. The Source: UNICEF Country Statistics, 2010 education program addresses the needs of learners with any type of disability and the program lasts from Table 10: Regional comparison of level of access to essential preprimary to tertiary level schooling. health services for young children and women The Sierra Policy Lever 2.2: Swaziland Gambia Leone Ghana Mali Coverage 1-year-old children immunized against A robust ECD policy should establish programs in all DPT 91% 96% 84% 91% 72% essential sectors, ensure high degrees of coverage and (corresponding vaccines: DPT3ß) reach the entire population equitably–especially the Children below 5 most disadvantaged young children–so that every child with diarrhea and expecting mother have guaranteed access to receive oral 57% 39% 73% 35% 14% rehydration/ essential ECD services. continued feeding (2010) Due to the devastating effects of the HIV/AIDS Children below 5 with suspected pandemic in Swaziland, the government has developed pneumonia taken 58% 70% 74% 41% 38% and enhanced programs such as ART and PMTCT. To to healthcare date, program coverage still remains an issue, with provider (2010) Pregnant women access and awareness being principal constraints. The receiving antenatal 77% 72% 75% 87% 35% HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst 2 to 4 year olds is 5%, and care (at least four 3% amongst those ages 10 to 14. The NCCU has called for times) the scaling up of programs in order to best meet the Source: UNICEF Country Statistics, 2010 needs of young children. Among children eligible for ART, only 35% are accessing the services. The situation is most Most recently, the GoS began imposing additional dire for pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 49; screenings for HIV/AIDS and since then many more this age range has an HIV positive prevalence rate of pregnant women and infants have been receiving ARVs more than 40%. for PMTCT. Figure 5 shows the percentage of women with HIV and HIV-exposed infants receiving ARVs for Limited access to programs has been further PMTCT. There is potential for the trajectory to continue exasperated by low birth registration. Although birth upward, increasing provision of services for HIV positive registration is mandated, Swaziland has one of the women and HIV exposed infants, but the GoS must lowest rates in the region. Communities affected by lack continue funding HIV/AIDS initiatives. With continued of access or inability to cover registration fees are those funding and support, GoS’ National. Targets for 2014 are in poorer communities and the OVC population. Table 9 certainly within reach. Box 4 summarizes some key presents a regional comparison of level of access to birth National targets for Swaziland. registration. Access to other essential health services, SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 13 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Figure 5: Percentage of women with HIV and HIV-exposed infants receiving ARVs for PMTCT % of HIV pregnant women receiving ARVs for PMTCT % of infants born to HIV infected mothers given ARV prophylaxis at birth 100% 84% 90% 95% 80% 86% 76% 87% 82% 88% 60% 49% 40% 20% 26% 0% 6% 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Box 4: Swaziland’s national targets by 2014 In an effort to address inequities in service provision for constituents with disabilities, the GoS recently • Reduce HIV infections among infants to 5% developed the National Disability Policy. A study • Reduce HIV infections among pregnant women, ages 15 to 24, informing the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office of the to 35% inequities in service provision for those with disabilities, • Provide ARV prophylaxis for PMTCT to at least 90% of women with HIV has paved the way for the development of the National • Reduce proportion of women, ages 15 to 49, who do not want Disability Policy. In Swaziland, there are obvious gender any more children when they become pregnant to 20% and geographical inequities in the population with disabilities. Approximately 58% of those with disabilities Table 11: Regional comparison of level of access to essential are female. In terms of geographical inequity, 82% of nutrition services for young children and pregnant women people with disabilities live in rural areas. Regionally, The Sierra Swaziland Liberia Mali Gambia Leone Manzini has the highest population with disabilities Children below 5 with moderate/severe 31% 24% 44% 42% 38% (29%), followed by Hhohho (27%), Lubombo (25%), and stunting (2006-10) Shishelweni (19%). The leading cause of disabilities in Infants exclusively breastfed until 6 44% 34% 32% 34% 38% Swaziland is disease or illness (59%), followed by months of age (2010) congenital (25%), and injury (16%). The majority of the Infants with low birth population with disabilities in Swaziland is also less 9% 10% 11% 14% 19% weight educated, with 25% never having attended any school Prevalence of anemia and only 2.3% of the population having attended in pregnant women 24% 75% 60% 62% 73% (2010) preprimary. In Swaziland, access to services is often Prevalence of anemia hampered by geographical locations, especially in rural in preschool-aged 47% 79% 83% 87% 83% areas. children Source: UNICEF Country Statistics, 2010; WHO Global Database on Anemia The preprimary enrollment rate in Swaziland is currently at 23%, with large variations by region and Policy Lever 2.3: type of service provision. Preschool is encouraged but not mandated by the GoS. Discrepancies in type of Equity service provision, public versus nonstate, vary by region. Based on the robust evidence of the positive effects ECD There exist large variations in preprimary enrollment interventions can have for children from disadvantaged rates by region as well. The Manzini region has the backgrounds, every government should pay special highest number of children attending preprimary attention to equitable provision of ECD services 6. One of schools- approximately 10,000 (14.3%), whereas the the fundamental goals of any ECD policy should be to Lubombo region has less than 4,000 (10%) children provide equitable opportunities to all young children and attending preprimary school. The enrollment rate in the their families. richest quintile in Swaziland is approximately 50%, while the poorest quintile has an enrollment rate of 35.7%. 6 Engle et al, 2011; Naudeau et al., 2011 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 14 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Since the initial administration of MICS, the MoET has Policy Options to Implement ECD Widely in worked to further advance the ECCE agenda, leading to a doubling in preprimary enrollment rates in the country. Swaziland Figure 6 illustrates the number of children ages 35 to Scope of Programs 59 months attending an ECCE program by wealth  The GoS could support and further promote early quintile. education initiatives in the country. Support for early education programs are sparsely mentioned in Figure 6: Children ages 35 to 59 months attending an ECCE program policies, including the National Children’s Policy, ECCE guidelines, National ECCD Coordination Poorest Quintile Richest Quintile National Avg Committee guidelines, among others. The recent 60% introduction of free primary education from the 50% GoS has spurred interest in also advancing 40.70% 40% 35.70% preprimary. Recently, the MoET developed 23% Swaziland Early Learning Development Standards (SELDS). SELDS is a compilation of comprehensive 20% 12.40% 5.20% learning standards for children between the ages of 0 and 60 months. The purpose of SELDS is to 0% 1999-2000 2009-2010 encourage standardization of learning standards across different providers of preprimary education. Further support for early childhood education Access to antenatal services is limited for women living programs will ensure higher and timely primary in poor and rural areas. Most women in Swaziland are school enrollment, and prepare children with the able to access and receive skilled care during pregnancy, cognitive, emotional, and physical stimulation they but many living in rural and poorer areas are not able to need to grow. Box 5 describes an example of a benefit from such services. Although access to antenatal strategy developed by the Australian government in care is widespread, more than 70% of women do not order to increase support for provision of ECCE receive antenatal care until after their third month of services. pregnancy. Inability to access antenatal services at the Coverage onset of a pregnancy has given rise to the popularity of at home births. Although comfortable and high  The GoS could continue to scale up programs such accessible, at home births come at a cost. Most at home as the ART and PMTCT in order to provide access births account for the low percentage of skilled to services for more families in need. Currently, HIV attendants at delivery in the poorest and rural areas. prevalence among children between the ages of 2 Figure 7 illustrates the percentage of women who and 4 is 5% and 3% for children between the ages of attended at least one ANC visit during pregnant and the 10 and 14. Only 35% of eligible HIV infected children percentage of births attended by skilled physicians. are on ART. The GoS should consider enhancing their monitoring program to ensure that health Figure 7: Percentage of women who attended at least one antenatal visits are being tracked and services are being more care visit during pregnancy and percentage of births attended by skilled physicians closely monitored. This will ensure that services are reaching those most in need and that necessary and Total Urban Rural Richest Quintile Poorest Quintile adequate follow up is being provided. The scaling up of services will be most successful with the 100% 85% 86% 85% 89% 81% 81% 86% enhancement of the quality of ART and PMTCT 80% 69% 66% services. Increasing support for ANC visits is an 60% excellent opportunity for early diagnosis and 45% prevention treatments. Capacity building for local 40% health workers for ANC services could also help 20% ensure that women and children are receiving 0% appropriate services. Health workers could use ANC ANC >=1 Visit Skilled Attendant at Delivery visits as an opportunity to promote access to family planning services among women living with HIV. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 15 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013  The GoS should consider scaling up maternal accurate data on access to health services more health services and programs. According to a routinely. Enhancement of the monitoring and health survey implemented by the MoHSW, the evaluation system will allow for service provision to maternal mortality rate was over 500 per 100,000 be more receptive to the needs of mothers and live births in 2008. Although policies mandate the children, as indicated by the data. provision of health services to all women, over 25% of women do not or cannot access maternal health Policy Goal 3: Monitoring and Assuring services. Lack of maternal health services further Quality exacerbates low infant and child access to health  Policy Levers: Data Availability • Quality services. Increasing access to services for maternal and antenatal health could also help in boosting Standards • Compliance with Standards immunization amongst children. Monitoring and Monitoring and Assuring Quality refers to the existence ensuring compliance with routine health visits, of information systems to monitor access to ECD services including ANC visits, has the potential to increase and outcomes across children, standards for ECD services immunization rates and overall health visits. and systems to monitor and enforce compliance with those standards. Ensuring the quality of ECD Equity interventions is vital because evidence has shown that unless programs are of high quality, the impact on  The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, together with children can be negligible, or even detrimental. relevant ministries, should consider enhancing their single education system so that it is more Policy Lever 3.1: inclusive of the needs of all learners by addressing Data Availability disparities in provision of educational services for children with disabilities. The GoS could revamp Accurate, comprehensive and timely data collection can the monitoring and evaluation system that is part of promote more effective policy-making. Well-developed their single education system, so that it more information systems can improve decision-making. In accurately tracks the needs of children and gaps in particular, data can inform policy choices regarding the service provision as they occur. Data collected from volume and allocation of public financing, staff the monitoring and evaluation system can be used recruitment and training, program quality, adherence to to inform relevant policy, helping provide increased standards and efforts to target children most in need. and more equitable services to all children in need, Limited data are collected in the health sector in especially those living in rural and poorer areas. Swaziland. The GoS collects little to no data on ECD indicators besides what is included in the Multiple-  In order to improve outcomes for women and Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS). In 2010, the Central children during labor, the GoS could consider Statistics Office (CSO) of Swaziland, in collaboration with increasing the number of skilled physicians in rural and funding from UNICEF and UNFPA carried out MICS. and poorer neighborhoods as well as enhancing MICS is an international household survey developed by their monitoring and evaluation system. The UNICEF that provides up to date information on the increase in skilled physicians could help in ensuring situation of women and children. The first time MICS was accurate and speedy diagnosis and treatment of administered in Swaziland was in 2000. According to the complications that may arise during labor and World Health Organization (WHO), data in Swaziland’s ensure that physicians are administering technically health sector are collected semi-routinely, but quality is appropriate procedures. Although more than 70% seldom high. According to the organization, this is most of births are attended by skilled physicians in likely due to the poor design of data collection tools, Swaziland, the rate varies widely between rural, incompleteness of data collection, inexperienced data poorer areas and urban areas. The rate also varies collectors and untimely reporting of data. Essential data depending on the level of education of women. Less on health indicators is analyzed in Swaziland’s Ministry educated women have been known to have less of Home Affairs. Table 12 presents the availability of data access to skilled physicians than more educated to monitor ECD in the country. women. Swaziland’s monitoring and evaluation system also needs to be revamped so that it collects SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 16 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 12: Availability of data to monitor ECD in assignments in order to better manage supply and Swaziland demand of teachers and ensure an equitable distribution of teachers throughout Swaziland. Also included in the Administrative Data: Policy is an entire section outlining the challenges and Indicator Tracked strategies for the Education Management Information ECCE enrollment rates by region  System (EMIS). The MoET has put in place strategies to ensure that EMIS collects timely and accurate data, as Special needs children enrolled in ECCE well as to ensure enhanced training for the data technical X (number of) team responsible for data collection. Children attending well-child visits (number of) X Other government ministries also describe the need for Children benefitting from public nutrition X enhanced data collection systems. The Deputy Prime interventions (number of) Women receiving prenatal nutrition Minister’s Office, through the National Disability Policy, X also seeks to enhance data collection systems in order to interventions (number of) Children enrolled in ECCE by sub-national ensure more timely and accurate data. The National  Guidelines on Infant and Young Child Feeding includes a region (number of) Average per student-to-teacher ratio in public chapter on the importance of monitoring and evaluation X for appropriate implementation of the guidelines. In ECCE Is ECCE spending in education sector order to assess the effectiveness of the dissemination  differentiated within education budget? strategies, the MoHSW proposes a data collection Is ECD spending in health sector differentiated method that will collect and review indicators and assist  within health budget? in informing the future of programs currently in place. Survey Data Indicator (MICS data, 2010) Tracked Policy Lever 3.2: Population consuming iodized salt (%)  Quality Standards Vitamin A Supplementation rate for children 6 Ensuring quality ECD service provision is essential. A focus  on access – without a commensurate focus on ensuring -59 months (%) Anemia prevalence amongst pregnant women quality – jeopardizes the very benefits that policymakers X hope children will gain through ECD interventions. The (%) Children below the age of 5 registered at birth quality of ECD programs is directly related to better  (%) cognitive and social development in children7. Children immunized against DPT3 at age 12  Registration and accreditation procedures for ECCE months (%) Pregnant women who attend four antenatal centers are established in Swaziland. The MoET’s ECCE  Guidelines are a compilation of information regarding visits (%) Children enrolled in ECCE by socioeconomic the registration procedures and standards for operating  ECCE centers. The document describes the registration status (%) procedures and application requirements for the various The GoS has taken measures to support the overhaul types of ECCE centers, including: daycare centers, and scale up of country data collection system. In the preschools, grade 0, and aftercare programs. The Education Policy (2011), the MoET stresses the guidelines list the required standards for ECCE centers to importance of more up-to-date data in order to more operate on either one of two levels with the easily share data across ministries and work multi- requirements to obtain a level 2 (more established) sectorally in addressing education needs. The MoET also permit. Table 13 presents operating guidelines for ECCE puts forth short and medium term strategies to address center by level. ECCE center requirements include a PTR these challenges. The policy describes as one of its (pupil-teacher ratio) of 15:1 for 3 to 4 year olds; strategies the assurance of an accurate and readily qualifications for ECCE providers including ECCD training, available database of teacher appointments and referral and previous ECCD training; recommended use 7 Taylor & Bennett, 2008; Bryce et al, 2003; Naudeau et al, 2011V; Victoria et al, 2003 SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 17 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 of MoET ECCD Unit curriculum; and creation of ECCD managing member(s), but has yet to implement the center committee and participation of parents in mechanisms. Included in the ECCE guidelines is a list of committee. strategies used by the MoET, other government ministries, and local governments and councils to If after one year of provisional registration, the ECCE evaluate ECCE centers and ensure their compliance with center is deemed by an inspector to have met all standards. Strategies include: standards and guidelines, the center will be offered a certificate of official registration. It is mandatory that • Relevant ministries will carry out a baseline teachers be recruited from the center’s surrounding survey before any ECCE news programs are community and undergo in-service training if they have launched. no prior training. Eventually the MoET plans to phase out • All ECCE Centers and training institutions shall in-service training and replace with more accessible pre- be assessed for quality assurance at least once a service training for new teachers. year by the governing board. • ECCE regional Inspectors & trainers will monitor Table 13: Operating guidelines for ECCE centers Requirements Level 1 Level 2 activities in all ECCE and day care centers in Enclosed room, Building with classrooms (1) their regions. minimum size of 6x8 floor (with mat), roof, • ECCE personnel, in collaboration with the meters (1) floor, windows, doors; (2) minimum roof, windows; (2) 8x6 meters for 25 children; (3) Steering committee, will periodically evaluate Classrooms clean; (3) well clean; (4) well ventilated the ECCE program in the regions in order to ventilated; (4) some structure; (5) child-size chairs identify main strengths, challenges, and appropriate furniture and tables; (6) accessible to children with special needs emerging issues. (e.g., ramps, rails) More than one Age appropriate toilets (1) Both state and non-state ECCE centers are required to toilet- at least one preferably flush toilets; (2) for girls and one for safe; (3) clean; (4) at least one comply with standards. Yet to date, information on ECCE boys, and one for to cater for children with center compliance with standards are not tracked. teachers (1) safe; (2) special needs; (5) toilets for Toilets/ clean; (3) latrines boys and others for girls, and National and local officials have not collected the Latrines necessary information. To date, no data are available to minimum 2 meters one for teacher deep and 10 meters indicate whether ECCE teachers are being trained, or away from source of water. Clear path to whether they are going through the required pre or in- toilets service trainings. One balanced meal One balanced meal per day in per day in centers centers that operate half day, that operate half and an additional snack for Policy Options to Monitor and Assure ECD day, and an centers that operate a full day Feeding additional snack for (1) high standards of Quality in Swaziland centers that operate cleanliness and hygiene a full day (1) high Data Availability: standards of cleanliness and hygiene  The GoS could consider enhancing local capacity building initiatives. Swaziland has long struggled with both availability and quality of data. The Policy Lever 3.3: MoHSW has in the past, successfully employed Compliance with Standards grassroots initiatives to address data collection issues for the AIDS epidemic. Box 5 describes a grassroots initiative that was successful in Establishing standards is essential to providing quality improving data collection techniques. The GoS ECD services and to promoting the healthy development should mobilize local efforts to assist with the data of children. Once standards have been established, it is collection processes. Such efforts can include critical that mechanisms are put in place to ensure capacity building workshops for training of data compliance with standards. collection and analysis officers. Each government The MoET has developed mechanisms to ensure agency should tailor efforts based on data needs. compliance with standards for ECCE centers and their SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 18 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Quality Standards  The MoET could enhance infrastructure and Box 6: Relevant lessons from international service delivery standards for ECCE facilities in experiences in monitoring and assuring quality Swaziland. Current standards for ECCE facilities, including PTR, required minimum number of hours Example from Mexico: The Government of Mexico of preprimary per week, and infrastructure created the Quality Schools Program (Programa standards have been developed but could be Escuelas de Calidad) in 2001 to promote community further enhanced to optimize quality of services. participation in schools and allow local stakeholders to For example the required PTR should be capped at address the needs of the schools. The national 15 to 1 (preferably less) to allow for more effective government provides school grants to local student-teacher interaction and attention. committees to improve school quality. Committees Infrastructure standards are also limited and should are also provided technical assistance in designing, implementing, and monitoring their quality be expanded to include access to a potable water improvement plans. Parents increased their source and functional hygienic facilities. participation and supervision of the schools and teachers after participating in this program. Compliance with Standards Example from Indonesia: Introduced in 2007 by the  The GoS could consider developing an appropriate Indonesia Ministry of Home Affairs, the National monitoring mechanism to ensure ECCE centers are Community Empowerment Program in Rural Areas complying with set standards. Swaziland has (PNPM) provides community planning and block grants to increase demand for maternal and child established registration and accreditation health services and preprimary education. procedures for all types of ECCE service providers. It Communities are mobilized to expand ECED services, would be useful to also develop a standardized including parental education, nutrition counseling, monitoring and evaluation system for ECCE centers and access to preprimary education. The Indonesian that can be administered by auditing officials. This program has positively impacted health and education will ease both tracking and transfer of data and outcomes for young children and could serve as an assist in disbursing information to the appropriate exemplary first step in Vanuatu in strengthening and office. Status of ECCE provision as well as gaps in coordinating quality ECD services across sectors. provision will be more readily available, ensuring that the MoET can address needs and issues as they Source: Decentralized Decision-Making in Schools, Barrera-Osorio et al., 2009; arise. Box 6 describes examples from different Indonesia’s PNPM Generasi Program, Olken et al., countries on innovative ways to monitor and assure 2011 quality in ECCE services. Box 5: Example of local community response to data unavailability In 2003, responding to the widespread and ever-increasing AIDS epidemic and the inaction on behalf of the MoHSW, local communities took it upon themselves to mobilize. Local officials formed the Total Community Mobilization Program, a grassroots initiative with the goal to support donors and support groups by collecting as much information as possible on households coping with relatives who have HIV/AIDS. Local community officials were responding to lack of AIDS containment efforts that had been hindered by lack of reliable data. Data collectors were trained on data collection methods and working with families. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 19 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Comparing Official Policies with Outcomes Policy mandates the registration Completeness of birth registration: The existence of laws and policies alone do not always of children at birth in Swaziland 50% guarantee a correlation with desired ECD outcomes. In many countries, policies on paper and the reality of access and service delivery on the ground are not Preliminary Benchmarking and International aligned. Table 14 compares ECD policies in Swaziland Comparison of ECD in Swaziland with ECD outcomes. Table 14: Comparing ECD policies with outcomes in Table 15 presents the classification of ECD policy in Swaziland Swaziland within each of the nine policy levers and three ECD Policies Outcomes policy goals. The SABER-ECD classification system does Law complies with some not rank countries according to any overall scoring; Exclusive breastfeeding provisions of the International rather, it is intended to share information on how rate (> 6 mo): Code of Marketing of Breast different ECD systems address the same policy 44% Milk Substitutes challenges. Household iodized salt Swaziland has national policy to consumption On the following page, Table 16 presents the status of encourage the iodization of salt 52% % ECD policy development in Swaziland alongside a Preprimary school selection of countries worldwide. Preprimary school is not free or enrollment: compulsory in Swaziland 23 % Young children are required to Children with DPT (12- receive a complete course of 23 months): childhood immunizations 91 % Table 15: Benchmarking Early Childhood Development Policy in Swaziland Level of Level of ECD Policy Goal Policy Lever Development Development Legal Framework Establishing an Enabling Inter-sectoral Coordination Environment Finance Scope of Programs Implementing Widely Coverage Equity Data Availability Monitoring and Assuring Quality Standards Quality Compliance with Standards Latent Emerging Established Advanced Legend: SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 20 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Table 16: International Classification and Comparison of ECD Systems Level of Development ECD Policy Goal Policy Lever Swaziland Chile Liberia Turkey Uganda Establishing an Legal Framework Enabling Coordination Environment Finance Scope of Programs Implementing Coverage Widely Equity Data Availability Monitoring and Quality Standards Assuring Quality Compliance with Standards Latent Emerging Established Advanced Legend: Conclusion The SABER-ECD initiative is designed to enable ECD policy levers are examined in detail and some policy options are makers and development partners to identify identified to strengthen ECD are offered. opportunities for further development of effective ECD Table 17 summarizes the key policy options identified to systems. This Country Report presents a framework to inform policy dialogue and improve the provision of compare Swaziland’s ECD system with other countries in essential ECD services in Swaziland. the region and internationally. Each of the nine policy Table 17: Summary of policy options to improve ECD in Swaziland Policy Policy Options and Recommendations Dimension • Development and implementation of an ECD multi-sectoral policy. Establishing an • Definition of the roles and responsibilities of the ECD coordinating body, NCCU. Enabling • Consideration of increased ECD budget allocations in order to better meet the services of Environment children and mothers. • The GoS could support and effectively promote early learning initiatives in the country. • The GoS could continue to scale up programs such as the ART and PMTCT in order to provide services for more families in need. • The GoS could consider scaling up maternal health services and programs Implementing • The GoS could consider enhancing services in rural and poorer neighborhoods. Widely • The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, together with relevant ministries, could consider enhancing their single education system that is supposed to be inclusive of the needs of all learners in order to address the wide disparities in educational provision for children with disabilities • The GoS could consider revamping the data collection units housed within respective government ministries as well as support mobilization of local communities. Monitoring and • The GoS could consider formalizing the registration and accreditation procedures by Assuring Quality monitoring standards to evaluate whether ECCE centers are complying with the standards. • The MoET, along with the relevant government National and local government ministries, should ensure compliance with standards. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 21 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 Acknowledgements This Country Report was prepared by the SABER-ECD team at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, DC. The report presents country data collected using the SABER-ECD policy and program data collection instruments and data from external sources. The report was prepared in consultation with the World Bank Human Development Swaziland team and the Government of Swaziland. For technical questions or comments about this report, please contact the SABER- ECD team (helpdesk@worldbank.org) Acronyms ANC Antenatal Care ART Antiretroviral Therapy ECD Early Childhood Development ECCD Early Childhood Care and Development ECCE Early Childhood Care and Education EMIS Education Management Information System GoS Government of Swaziland HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus MICS Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey MoET Ministry of Education and Training Mohs Ministry of Health and Social Welfare NCCP National Center for Children in Poverty NCCU National Children’s Coordination Unit NPAOVCSocial Protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children OVC Orphans and Vulnerable Children PMTCT Preventing Mother to Child Transmission PTR Pupil-Teacher Ratio SELDS Swaziland Early Learning Development Standards SPOVC Social Protection for Orphans and Vulnerable Children SNCP Swaziland National Children’s Policy UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund WHO World Health Organization SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 22 SWAZILAND ǀ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT SABER COUNTRY REPORT |2013 www.worldbank.org/education/saber The Systems Approach for Better Education Results (SABER) initiative produces comparative data and knowledge on education policies and institutions, with the aim of helping countries systematically strengthen their education systems. SABER evaluates the quality of education policies against evidence-based global standards, using new diagnostic tools and detailed policy data. The SABER country reports give all parties with a stake in educational results—from administrators, teachers, and parents to policymakers and business people—an accessible, objective snapshot showing how well the policies of their country's education system are oriented toward ensuring that all children and youth learn. This report focuses specifically on policies in the area of Early Childhood Development. This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank with external contributions. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of The World Bank, its Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR BETTER EDUCATION RESULTS 23