BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
EZULWINI- A new wave of hope for learners is rising in the Hhohho Region as the Eswatini Red Cross Society met with educators to officially launch the Khetsimphilo Schools Club Programme — an initiative placing psycho-social wellbeing at the heart of education.
On April 29, 2026, teachers gathered at Sibanesami hotel to align with the vision of creating supportive spaces for learners to thrive both emotionally and academically.
With support from the Ministry of Education and Training Eswatini and in partnership with the European Union in Eswatini, the programme will be rolled out in 30 selected schools across the country. The Hhohho engagement marked the first regional kick-off, setting the tone for similar launches in other regions in the days ahead.
Khetsimphilo, meaning “Choose Life”, is designed to reach young people facing social challenges by offering structured psycho-social support. While the broader project targets youth both in and out of school up to the age of 35, the Schools Club model focuses on in-school learners — creating safe, supportive spaces where they can receive guidance, counselling, and life skills that strengthen both their wellbeing and academic journey.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary General, Dr. Elliot Jele thanked educators for answering the call to be part of the initiative and highlighted the vital role teachers play beyond the classroom.
“Through Khetsimphilo, ERCS is working to improve the wellbeing, retention and empowerment of adolescents and youth. We acknowledge the important role that the education system and educators play in this goal,” said Dr. Jele.
He noted that the meeting was more than an introduction — it was a platform to build a shared understanding between the Red Cross and educators on how the Schools Clubs will function and how they can best respond to the realities learners face daily.
Regional Education Officer, Dr. Nkosinathi Nkambule, warmly welcomed the initiative and applauded the focus on supporting learners holistically.
“Here, today, you have given us help beyond any teaching efforts. We recognise that psycho-social support makes a large part of the learner’s foundation. And, with the right support, learners thrive,” he said.
Dr. Nkambule further expressed confidence that with proper psycho-social support, the region would witness noticeable improvements in learner performance and overall school experience.
As the programme rolls out nationally, the Khetsimphilo Schools Clubs promise to be more than just clubs. They are becoming pillars of resilience, empowerment, and care within school communities — reminding learners that their mental and emotional wellbeing matters just as much as their academic success.
Through this collaboration, education in Eswatini is being strengthened not only in books and classrooms, but in hearts and minds as well.
#chooselife #khetsimphilo #empowermentclubs
(Courtesy Pic)
