Distance Education at University Level In 1994, in response to the growing need for university level education in Swaziland, the University of Swaziland (UNISWA), established the Institute of Distance Education (IDE).

The Mission of IDE

The Mission of the Institute of Distance Education is to create educational and training opportunities for individuals (employed, self-employed, unemployed, and post-high school graduates) who have been unable, for one reason or another, to undertake conventional and professional university education programmes and courses. For this reason the motto of IDE is: "Taking the University education and professional programmes to the people rather than the people coming to the University".

The Creation and Expansion of IDE 

The Institute of Distance Education enrolled its first intake of students in August 1996. A total of 150 students registered for the three programmes: BA Humanities (Languages), Diploma in Law, and Diploma in Commerce, offered by IDE.

In August 1997, IDE registered its second intake of students to these three programmes, and also offered two new programmes: a BEd in Adult Education and a Certificate in French.

In August 1998, IDE will be introducing a BA in Humanities degree programme which offers majors in history and theology in addition to the language majors offered in the original BA in Humanities (Languages).

(Next pages in this section: More about education at IDE?  What is Swaziland like?)