BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
MBABANE- One of Honourable Eswatini’s young delegates has made a powerful call for greater inclusivity in schools, urging that sign language be taught from lower primary up to tertiary level, and all schools across the country adopt it as a compulsory language for all learners.
This was revealed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Senator Thulisile Dladla, today November 16,2025 on her arrival at King Mswati III International Airport after leading Eswatini’s delegation to the Regional World Children’s Day celebrations in Gaborone, Botswana. The event was held on 15 November 2025 at the Parliament Building under the theme: “My Day, My Rights From Promises to Action.”
Senator Thulisile Dladla said the child’s submission reflected the strong leadership and awareness shown by Eswatini’s children on issues of inclusion.
“One of our Honourable Children reminded us that real inclusion requires practical action. She said sign language must be taught from the earliest grades to tertiary level so that every learner can communicate and no child is left behind,” Dladla said.
She added that her office would strengthen collaboration with partners to ensure that children’s voices inform national policies beyond annual commemorations.
“We will meet with the Ministry of Education and Training and UNICEF to make sure children meet more often not only on World Children’s Day to discuss issues that affect them,” she said.
Another Eswatini child raised concerns about the high dropout rate of girls, especially those in rural areas and from low-income families, due to lack of access to sanitary pads. The child questioned why some essential items are free while others are not.
“She asked a very important question: if condoms are given for free, why can’t sanitary pads also be provided at no cost to girls who cannot afford them?” Deputy Prime Minister explained.
The Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla was accompanied by the Minister of Education and Training, Owen Nxumalo. Eswatini’s delegation included 10 children, among them children living with disabilities, who joined 200 children from across the region to ensure an inclusive and diverse representation.
(Courtesy Pic)
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