BY NOKWANDA DLAMINI (INTERN)
MBABANE – Government, through the Ministry of Education and Training, has launched a Life Skills WhatsApp Chatbot on Friday, May 15, 2026, aimed at providing learners with timely advice and support on everyday challenges.
The platform, accessible via WhatsApp number 78333392, is designed to serve learners across the country by offering reliable information, psychosocial support messages, referral pathways and practical life skills content. The chatbot addresses key issues affecting young people, including mental health, safety, relationships, and personal development, while ensuring support is available in a simple and accessible digital format.
Acting Principal Secretary Lindiwe Dlamini said the initiative was developed as a collective effort to make education more responsive, inclusive, accessible and relevant to the real-life experiences of learners. She explained that the Ministry, in collaboration with partners such as Save the Children, International Organization for Migration and UNESCO, created the platform to expand access to trusted information and support systems.
“In a rapidly changing world, our learners are faced with complex social, emotional, health and safety challenges,” Dlamini said. “These include peer pressure, violence, abuse, substance use, early and unintended pregnancy, mental health concerns, online risks and uncertainty about their future.”
She emphasised that life skills education equips learners with essential competencies such as decision-making, effective communication, emotional management, self-esteem building and conflict resolution. These skills help young people remain in school, stay safe, build positive relationships and become responsible citizens.
The chatbot is expected to complement the work of teachers, counsellors, parents, social workers and health professionals by strengthening existing support structures. Dlamini urged stakeholders to embrace the platform and ensure that learners are aware of and able to use it effectively.
The launch reflects Government’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to improve learner wellbeing and strengthen the education system in Eswatini.
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