BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – During the official opening of the newly constructed school hall at Salem High School, Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla addressed the critical issue of increasing violence against children.
She called on parents and communities to ensure children’s safety by encouraging them to walk in groups and be accompanied to and from school.
Commitment to Child Safety
Condemnation of Violence: DPM Dladla strongly condemned the alarming rise in violence against innocent children, emphasizing the necessity for heightened awareness and community involvement in safeguarding youth.
Collaboration with Police: She praised the Royal Eswatini Police Service for their proactive efforts in partnering with communities to combat child abuse and violence.
Government’s Pledge: The DPM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening family and community support systems.
Investment in Education
School Hall Significance: The newly completed school hall, financed by the Regional Development Fund (RDF) and constructed by Micro Projects, is seen as a major investment in both education and infrastructure development.
Financial Contribution: The RDF has injected E20 million into various development projects, including schools across all chiefdoms in the constituency.
Educational Impact: DPM Dladla stated, “The construction of this state-of-the-art hall at Salem High School is a crucial step toward enhancing the quality of education and, by extension, improving the quality of life for the Salem community.” The hall is intended to be a versatile space for academic, cultural, and extracurricular activities.
Government Initiatives for Inclusivity
Holistic Education Commitment: The DPM emphasized the government’s dedication to holistic and inclusive education, ensuring environments are barrier-free and equipped to accommodate learners with disabilities.
Sustainability Plans: She urged the community to develop a sustainability plan to maintain the facility for future generations and prevent misuse or vandalism.
Challenges and Community Support
Construction Timeline: Minister for Tinkhundla and Administration Sikhumbuzo Dlamini revealed that the hall’s construction took over 10 years to complete. He commended the headteacher for their efforts in finalizing the project.
Water Supply Concerns: Dlamini also raised concerns about the school’s lack of running water, urging authorities to address this urgent issue.
Youth Development Initiatives: To further support youth, he pledged E50,000 to sponsor school soccer competitions for both primary and high schools, recognizing sports as a vital tool for skill development and safeguarding children.
Educational Enhancements
Focus on Academic Needs: Minister for Education and Training Owen Nxumalo expressed gratitude for the DPM’s continued support and acknowledged the financial assistance from the Tinkhundla Ministry. He pledged to address academic needs by hiring ICT and English teachers to improve student performance.
Transformation Goals: Nxumalo assured that education in the country will be transformed to enhance skills and better prepare students for the future.
Conclusion
The opening of the school hall at Salem High School signifies a commitment to improving educational infrastructure while addressing pressing social issues like child safety. With continued government support and community involvement, the initiative aims to foster a safer and more enriching environment for the youth in Eswatini.
(Courtesy Pics)
