By Mfanufikile Khathwane
MBABANE – Thousands of young people across Eswatini are building brighter futures with the support of Khulisa Umntfwana’s impactful programs.
Through education, dialogue, and community engagement, the organization is equipping adolescents and youth with the confidence and knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, rights, and wellbeing.
Between January and August 2025, more than 5 000 young people were reached through community dialogues, church-based initiatives, and health talks in clinics. Programme Officer Khetsiwe Simelane highlighted that the work is made possible through collaboration with dedicated donors, partners, and local leaders.
Tackling GBV and Promoting Health
In Lamgabhi, Dlangeni, Khalangilile, and Ntondozi, 1 800 residents actively participated in GBV prevention and response clubs. Surveys revealed an almost equal participation of men (46%) and women (54%), showing strong community commitment to tackling gender-based violence and promoting sexual and reproductive health rights.
Reaching Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Through the Livi Lakhe Program, 690 adolescent girls and young women from three churches, Trinity Praise Christian Centre, ACM, and Badumisi Church in Zion, engaged in sessions on abstinence, consent, reproductive health, and personal responsibility.
Transforming Lives with SAfAIDS
The SAfAIDS Transforming Lives SHARP Program reached nearly 2 000 young people through school campaigns, clinic talks, community dialogues, and youth events. Key topics included mental health, substance abuse, puberty, and menstrual care—providing holistic guidance for adolescents navigating life’s challenges.
Building Stronger Families and Communities
In Kasiko, Sitseni, and Nkaba, more than 450 residents joined dialogues organized with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, the Department of Gender and Family Issues, and the police. These engagements addressed GBV, drug abuse, and myths around child loss, while stressing the value of parental involvement and timely reporting.
Parent-Child Communication sessions in Lamgabhi also drew 641 parents and guardians, fostering open conversations on sensitive issues such as HIV prevention, menstrual care, gender norms, and GBV.
Breaking Harmful Myths
Speaking on behalf of community members with disabilities, Siphiwo Ndzima expressed gratitude for the life-changing impact of Khulisa Umntfwana’s work. She emphasized how the organization has helped dispel dangerous myths, such as the false belief that people with disabilities can “cure” HIV. “Now communities understand the truth—that such myths only fuel the spread of the virus,” she said.
Partnerships for a Better Tomorrow
Khulisa Umntfwana continues to collaborate with the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Health, UNFPA, FLAS, NERCHA, SAfAIDS, HER Voice Fund, and local authorities to create safe, supportive environments where young people can thrive, free from violence, misinformation, and health risks.
(
Courtesy Pics)
