BY MBONO MDLULI
MALKERNS – The European Union (EU) in Eswatini has generously sponsored the 2025 Bushfire Schools Festival with an amount of E482 367.50.
This announcement was made during the festival launch on April 11, 2025, at Malandela’s Lawn in Malkerns. The event featured notable attendees, including the new EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, and MTN Bushfire Festival Director, Jiggs Thorne.
Purpose of the Bushfire Schools Festival
Since its inception in 2010, the Bushfire Schools Festival has aimed to empower learners to engage with the arts, helping them understand its potential as a career path. The festival not only promotes artistic expression but also encourages students to take their education seriously and consider entrepreneurship as a means to create jobs and combat unemployment in Eswatini.
Highlights from the Launch Event
Several speakers shared their insights and experiences during the festival launch:
Umuti from Claiming Ground Creatives:
– Emphasized the importance of showing young people the possibilities within the arts.
– Stressed that Eswatini is a valid environment for the arts, contrary to previous beliefs.
– Advocated for empowering youth to confidently share their stories while pursuing a living in the arts.
Lwethu Mavudla and Vuyile Nkambule from St. Theresa High School’s Environmental Club:
– Introduced initiatives taken by the club to promote environmental awareness, such as creating waste bins from recycled materials.
– Their motto, “Save earth, save life, protect our planet, preserve our future,” reflects their commitment to sustainability.
Senelisile Mdlovu, Malindza Refugee Camp Project Officer:
– Shared the positive impact of the festival on young refugees, highlighting the exposure to arts and community engagement.
– Noted the significance of cultural preservation through the arts, allowing young people to express themselves and maintain their cultural roots.
Conclusion
The Bushfire Schools Festival serves as a vital platform for youth engagement in the arts, supported by the EU’s sponsorship. It not only fosters creativity but also promotes education and entrepreneurship among young people. By participating in this festival, students from various backgrounds—including those from refugee communities—are given the opportunity to realize their potential and contribute positively to society.
