BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
MOTJANE – Out-of-school youth have been urged to seek help when facing mental health challenges, resist negative peer pressure and make use of available support systems and opportunities.
The call was made during the Out-of-School Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Event held at Motjane Inkhundla on Friday, July 24, 2026. The event provided a platform for young people to engage in discussions on mental health, stress management, peer pressure, substance abuse, unemployment and entrepreneurship.
Participants were educated on the effects of stress and how prolonged or unmanaged stress can affect their physical, emotional and mental well-being. They were encouraged to recognise signs of stress, including difficulty sleeping, constantly thinking about problems, feeling overwhelmed, struggling to concentrate and experiencing challenges in carrying out daily activities.
Facilitators explained that stress can either be positive or negative. Positive stress can motivate individuals to perform better and achieve their goals, while prolonged negative stress can leave a person feeling anxious, exhausted and overwhelmed. Young people were introduced to the ‘4 A’s’ of managing stress, which include avoiding unnecessary sources of stress, accepting things that cannot be changed, adapting to challenging situations and altering one’s perspective when dealing with problems.
The Department of Social Welfare encouraged participants to seek support from trusted people within their families and communities. They were reminded that pride should not prevent them from asking for help and that maintaining connections with supportive structures is important for good mental health.
On community safety, Police Officer Dube warned young people about gang involvement and drug abuse, saying these could contribute to crime, violence and other social problems. The Eswatini National Youth Council encouraged young people to use their time and knowledge productively while exploring opportunities in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Young people were encouraged to develop businesses using skills such as sewing, carpentry and mobile money services. They were also urged to embrace technology and artificial intelligence as tools for creativity and innovation. During a mindset-change session, Bongikhosi encouraged youth not to despise small beginnings, saying successful businesses could start with simple ventures such as selling socks, clothes or pyjamas. He emphasised that mindset change is a process that requires time, consistency and perseverance.
#OutOfSchoolYouth #MentalHealthAwareness #YouthEmpowerment #SubstanceAbusePrevention #YouthDevelopment #Eswatini Youth
