BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
MBABANE – Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Thulisile Dladla has called on foster parents to raise children with love, patience, and integrity, stressing that fostering is more than providing shelter,it requires compassion, protection, and genuine care.
Dladla made the remarks during the commissioning of the National Foster Care Placement Committee at the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, describing the launch as a pivotal step in strengthening Eswatini’s child protection system.
The launch also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 on No Poverty, as providing vulnerable children and families with foster care helps break cycles of poverty. It also aligns with SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, ensuring children in nurturing homes grow up healthy both physically and mentally. The initiative further promotes SDG 4 on Quality Education by placing children in stable environments where they can access learning opportunities and thrive, while also advancing SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities by protecting and including the most vulnerable children, regardless of their background.
“Our children deserve more than shelter; they deserve dignity, stability, and the opportunity to thrive,” Dladla said. “Foster care is open to anyone willing to provide a caring home.”
The DPM highlighted the importance of moving from residential care to family-based care models, such as foster and kinship care. She urged those already caring for children informally to register with the Department of Social Welfare to formalize their roles and gain access to government support.
The committee’s responsibilities include evaluating foster parent applications, recommending placements, monitoring children’s well-being, and ensuring compliance with child protection standards. It will also facilitate collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners to expand foster care coverage.
Bulembu Ministries representative Wandile Simelane praised the initiative, saying, “Thorough socio-economic assessments are conducted before a child is placed with a family. It’s about giving children dignity, stability, and hope.”
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