On Site Multi Training

Hector Peterson Museum – Soweto South Africa	Participants at Hector Peterson Museum – Soweto South Africa

Birch Cooper offers On Site Training in all the courses listed in our Programme Calendar. The offer is available to all organizations (Private, Public, Non-Governmental) in any African country. We schedule lectures for your entire organization/institution, or include your personnel in a Multi-Client class.

When management of individual organizations/institutions, upon assessing their budget decide to commit themselves to a comprehensive study package that will benefit the majority of their staff, and enhance the organization’s training needs, we come to your doorstep with our Resource Personnel, material and hi-tech equipment to facilitate the course or courses chosen within an agreed, well tailored time table.

Group photo – Works Procurement Management Course – Pretoria	Closing session

Please contact the ‘On Site’ Programs Director

Tel/Fax +268 2404 1519

or

Email: info@birchcooper.org to .

Participants traditional farewell

Tuition Fees – On Site Training (AFRICA)

On site tuition fees vary depending on the chosen course(s) and number of participants to be trained.

Please call or email the Programs Director

Tel/Fax: 404 1519/ 623 5313

to discuss the ‘On site’ training approach further

Going Traditional is our way of life	Going traditional is our way of life

 MBULUZI FALLS

Accommodation:

There are hosts of cheap and affordable accommodation options, from self catering sharing apartments to guest houses and hotels that are all accessible to our centers Suites have equipped kitchenettes, with basic cooking utensils and a refrigerator. We can assist you to arrange a lodging place of your choice before arrival.

Computer Laboratory:

Our Computer Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art PCs networked under Windows NT and Linux with the Training Packages etc. The laboratory was very carefully configured for an optimum learning environment.
Participants have the freedom to change many of the settings (intentionally as a learning Experience, or by accident as they are still learning) but at the next start-up, all settings are back to standard. This is a vital element that greatly enhances the teaching process.

Facilitators:

Birch Cooper has excellent, experienced facilitators, who have in depth knowledge of the unique requirements of developing countries.
Their innovative experience has not only sharpened the practical knowledge of participants but has enabled many to become transformers at work. Also, our lecturers’ knowledge of open learning does not only encourage and inspire adult learners but enhances their job performance and career prospects.  

Participants departure at OR Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg	Participants Departure at OR Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg

Birch Cooper Training Style:

We recognize the various backgrounds and experiences individuals come from, hence we endeavour to use the participatory approach, which is informed by social constructivism. Participants are encouraged to fully participate, and critical thinking is applauded.

Birch Cooper Shuttle:

There is an airport shuttle to pick up all participants and international students once the office receives a confirmed flight itinerary.
Participants and international students should have money ready to pay for airport tax when returning home, and also to pay for any excess luggage.

Customized Training and Group Discounts:

We have customized courses for our participants who come from all over Africa and South America. Customized courses are designed on request by contacting the Director of Studies. Birch Cooper will complete a ‘Needs Analysis’ to help identify your organization’s training needs and prescribe a solution to meet your objectives.

Coordinator seeing participants off at OR Tambo International Airport	Participants waving Bye bye to management at OR Tambo International Airport – Joburg

 SOUTH AFRICA & MOZAMBIQUE VISAS:

We entreat all our participants to establish in their home countries if they would require visas to travel to the above countries, as we also embark on group trips. If we stay over, participants should be prepared to pay for their lodging and food, whilst we provide free transportation

With BIRCHCOOPER, it is our participants that do the talking for others to join!  

Swazi Culture

The Queen Mother

Choosing the King

The heir to the throne is chosen according to his mother’s status, and a Queen Mother is selected based on her high rank by the Royal Council following the king’s death. The king is always a Dlamini and never intermarries, so the Queen Mother is never a Dlamini.

The king must be her only son and she may have no other child. He is expected to choose wives from various clans to ensure national unity.

The monarchy is a dual one with the balance of power lying with the king – Ngwenyama (or lion) – and the Queen Mother, who is the Ndlovukazi (she elephant).

The Royal Council plays a key role in the selection of the heir to the throne. He must be unmarried, and if still a minor, the Queen Mother to the late King assumes the responsibility of Regent until the Crown Prince becomes the Ngwenyama.

The Incwala Ceremony

Then Incwala, or first fruits ceremony, in which the King plays a dominant role, is the most sacred of all the Swazi rituals. It is held in December or January on a date chosen by astrologers in conjunction with the phases of the moon.

His Majesty at the Incwala Ceremony

The ritual begins with a journey by the “Bemanti” (people of the water) to the Indian Ocean to collect water and on their return to the royal kraal, the little Ncwala begins, preceding the full moon. Youths then travel in groups to all parts of the kingdom to collect the sacred branches o the “lusekwane” shrub, a species of acacia.

On the third day a bull is ritually slaughtered by the youths, instilling solidarity among them and a spirit of valour. The fourth day is the culmination of the Ncwala when the King, in full ceremonial dress, joins the

He then enters a special hut and after further rituals, eats the first fruits of the season. On the appearance of the King to his people, they may also eat these fruits with the blessing of the ancestors. The burning of the King’s bedding and household items follows, thus cleansing everything in readiness for the new year.

Certain parts of the Ncwala may not be witnessed by outside people and it is advisable not to take photographs within the proximity of the royal cattle byre.