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Bridging the Skills Gap: Innovative Lifelong Learning Strategies for Unemployed Graduates in Eswatini
Abstract
The persistent disconnect between higher education outcomes and labour market needs remains a major barrier to youth employment in Eswatini. This study explores innovative lifelong learning strategies to bridge the graduate skills gap, using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative survey analysis with qualitative feedback from open-ended graduate responses. National development strategies and labour market reports were used to contextualize the findings.
Key challenges identified include misaligned curricula, limited access to digital learning, weak industry-academia collaboration, and funding barriers. The study proposes scalable solutions including a National Digital Learning Hub, modular micro-credentials, improved vocational pathways, and strengthened public-private training partnerships.
By embedding lifelong learning as a central pillar of graduate readiness, Eswatini can empower its graduates with future-oriented skills and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
PCF11 Sub-Theme: Skills Development Through Lifelong Open Education
Paper ID: 7765
Subject
Country
Eswatini
Region
Africa
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Adobe PDF, 551.05 KB
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Date
2025-09
Author
ORCID
Corporate Author
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Publisher
Commonwealth of Learning (COL)