BY NONCEDO SHABANGU
MBABANE – The Ministry of Education and Training has taken an important step to support Eswatini’s youth with the launch of the new Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) Referral and Linkages Guidelines.
Aligned with the ESA Commitment and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative demonstrates the Ministry’s dedication to addressing the real life challenges that young people face today.
Minister Owen Nxumalo described the guidelines as a tangible way of showing the government’s commitment to helping learners beyond the classroom. The system establishes a formal and confidential connection between schools and health facilities, two spaces that play a critical role in a young person’s life. By creating this link, the Ministry hopes to remove barriers that often derail teenagers, tackling issues such as unintended pregnancies, gender based violence, and sexually transmitted infections.
The guidelines provide teachers with a structured and supportive framework to guide learners safely and discreetly to the health services they need. Built on trust and respect, this system protects students’ privacy, ensures timely access to support, and empowers teachers to act as compassionate first contacts without taking on medical responsibilities themselves.
This is more than just a policy; it is a promise to young people that their wellbeing matters. By bridging the gap between schools and health centres, the Ministry is making it easier for teenagers to seek help when facing difficult situations. Whether it is an unplanned pregnancy, the trauma of gender based violence, or other challenges, students now have a safe and reliable path to the support they need.
Through prioritising confidentiality and training teachers to respond with care, the Ministry is sending a clear message: “We believe in your future.” This decisive step helps ensure that every learner can stay in school, reach their full potential, and contribute to a healthier, stronger, and more resilient Eswatini by 2030.
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