Employability through a Degree Programme in Psychosocial and Economic Support at the Institute Of Distance Education, University of Eswatini

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Promoting Equity and Inclusion // In Eswatini country, youth and communities are exposed to various challenges such as poverty, violence, HIV and AIDs to mention but a few. Many frontline practitioners, community based volunteers, caregivers, who are working with children and youth in the communities, lack the necessary capacities and skills to provide economic, psychosocial care, support and protection to youth and communities. It is for this reason; the University of Eswatini with the support of the Government of Eswatini and Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) introduced a “Certificate in Psychosocial Support” programme in 2010. // Based on the results of two surveys and recognizing the benefits and importance of the Certificate programme, the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) through the Institute of Distance Education (IDE) proposed to introduce a Degree programme in Psychosocial Support to upgrade/up-skill or enhance the knowledge of learners in their relevant field with a flexible system of multiple entry and multiple exit option covering Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree programmes in collaboration with REPSSI and SEDCO through Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) mode. The main purpose of introducing this Degree programme is two-fold: (i) to achieve holistic psychosocial development; and (ii) to ensure employability/business creation. // The proposed programme is the result of two research surveys: (i) conducted by IDE in collaboration with Commonwealth of Learning (COL) during May-June 2019; and (ii) the survey conducted by IDE in collaboration with APSSI/REPSSI during April-May 2019. // Paper ID 7732