By Phesheya Ian Kunene
MBABANE – Over 25 young people in the Hhohho region have received starter toolkits to kick-start their careers as skilled artisans in various trades, including plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and sewing.
The toolkit distribution ceremony was held in Mbabane, marking the continuation of the TVET Start-up Toolkit Programme, which aims to empower youth with technical and vocational skills.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Eswatini National Youth Council (ENYC) Artisan Support Programme, the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, and other partners.
The programme has already made significant strides in other regions, with over 20 beneficiaries in the Lubombo region and 25 in the Shiselweni region receiving toolkits to launch their artisan careers.
The Hhohho region is the latest stop on the tour, and the event was graced by the Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, who officially launched the programme in the region.
During the ceremony, Minister Nzima urged the youth to use the toolkits to build a sustainable future.
“These toolkits are not just gifts, they are investments in your future,” he said.
ENYC CEO, Lwazi Mamba, echoed this sentiment, encouraging the youth to turn the opportunity into reality.
“Don’t let this become a failure, build something real with what you’ve been given,” Mamba said.
One beneficiary, Nhlanhla Maseko, expressed gratitude for the programme, stating, “There is life in vocational skills, and I’m living proof of that today!” Maseko’s sentiments were echoed by many of the beneficiaries, who are now equipped to turn their skills into sustainable income-generating activities.
The programme is part of a broader effort to promote youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods in Eswatini.
With the toolkits, the youth are now empowered to take charge of their careers and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
