BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima is full of praise for the International Youth Fellowship (IYF) from South Korea for having been able to help Eswatini youth with skills while its members were still in the country, on voluntary basis.
Minister Nzima said this yesterday, December 23, 2024 at the Sports Ministry Conference Room in Mbabane. This was during the farewell of the nine IYF volunteers. Nzima said Over the past year, the volunteers had become more than visitors to the Kingdom. They had become part of the Eswatini communities and, indeed, part of the Emaswati families.
“Your contribution to the Kingdom of Eswatini has been nothing short of extraordinary. You came to us with open hearts and hands willing to serve, and the impact of your work will be remembered for years to come,” Nzima said.
The minister pointed out that through their efforts, the IYF volunteers had shown Emaswati the true spirit of volunteerism, one that uplifted communities and left behind a legacy of hope and inspiration.
“In our fight against youth unemployment and poverty, you provided skills and helped harness the talents of our young people. Through the vocational training and programs offered at the new IYF Centre, many of our youth have gained tools they can use to build better futures,” he said.
Nzima highlighted that the work of the volunteers in preparing the Centre—through carpentry, painting, and cleaning—ensured that it was ready to welcome the community. Today, the Centre, according to the minister, serves as a beacon of opportunity, offering training, health services, and a place of worship.
Just this past Saturday, the minister said 70 of Eswatini youth graduated from the Centre because the volunteers made an impact in their lives too.
Cultural exchange, according to the minister, has been another remarkable gift that was brought by the volunteers to Emaswati. “Through events such as the Easter Music Concert, Korean Culture Day, and the Christmas Music Concert, you gave our communities an opportunity to experience the richness of Korean culture and fostered greater understanding between our nations,” he said.
“Your music and dance performances brought joy and energy to countless people, creating memories that will be cherished.”
As volunteers, Nzima said they went beyond their mission to touch the lives of many in meaningful ways. Their selflessness, enthusiasm, and unwavering dedication have inspired all of Emaswati. “From February to December 2024, you gave your time, energy, and skills to empower our youth and uplift our communities,” he said.
Nzima also thanked IYF Director Pastor David Kang for directing the volunteers to work in the country. “Your vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to empowering young people have been a blessing to this Kingdom. Your work in bringing these volunteers to Eswatini has left an indelible mark on our youth and our communities,” he said.
“We also thank you for personally ensuring that their farewell is celebrated at this level, underscoring the importance of their contributions. We look forward to continuing this partnership, which has already yielded such meaningful results.” The minister urged everyone in the country to draw inspiration from the volunteers, as they have added value to the youth of Emaswati.
