BY SIPHOSETHU MABUZA
MANZINI – Young people in Manzini were placed in the spotlight on the 12th of August as the Municipality joined forces with various stakeholders to mark a youth-focused day centred on skills, education, health and social responsibility.
The programme brought together young people for discussions and activities covering areas that affect their development, including entrepreneurship, education and health.
A key part of the initiative was the Municipality’s partnership with the MTN Skills Academy, which is opening access to accredited skills training for young people in the city. The partnership gives youth an opportunity to develop practical skills that can support their education, career plans and entrepreneurial ambitions.
Beyond training, the programme also looked at the wider role young people can play in their communities, with social responsibility forming part of the discussions. The initiative comes as youth development remains an important part of creating opportunities for young people to build skills and become more active participants in their communities and the economy.
The involvement of different stakeholders also highlighted the role of partnerships in creating programmes that respond to the varied needs of young people. For the Municipality, the focus is not only on celebrating young people for a day, but on creating opportunities that can continue beyond the event through access to skills and knowledge.
The MTN Skills Academy partnership is expected to provide an ongoing avenue for young people to access accredited training, giving them the chance to continue learning and improving their skills.
The day therefore brought together several aspects of youth development from learning and entrepreneurship to health and community responsibility while placing practical opportunities at the centre of the conversation. As young people continue to navigate a changing education and employment landscape, access to relevant skills could prove important in helping them turn their ideas and ambitions into something tangible.
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