Statement at Graduation of Artisans under rhe Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP)

Programme Director,

Ezulwini traditional authority including Chief Sifiso Khumalo

Minister of Education, Hon. Lady Howard-Mabuza

Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Hon. Harris Bulunga

Principal Secretaries

Senior Government officials,

UN colleagues,

Esteemed graduates,

Ladies, and gentlemen.

SANIBONANI

Let me begin by congratulating today’s graduating cohort under the Artisanal Skills Training component of the broader Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP) led by UNDP.

I am sure that each one of you has worked hard to reach this milestone, and it is an honour to be here with you as you celebrate your special day.

Congratulations, everyone!

I want to recognise UNDP for their proactiveness and urgency in responding to the need for youth empowerment and job creation that have become apparent to everyone, especially the Government of Eswatini. As you may recall, the EYEP was launched by His Majesty King Mswati III less than a year ago, following an endorsement by Cabinet.

The EYEP is itself a part of a bigger UN Youth programme that also involves another 8 agencies: FAO, UNICEF, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNESCO, WHO, UN Women and WFP.

Allow me to recognise the important roles played by various Government Ministries to ensure the success of the programme including the ministries of Education and Training and that of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs. Such collaboration across government and partners such as the EU will remain crucial to realise the full potential of the investments in young people.

I hope we can go further and ensure that every municipality has provisions, including spaces and facilities, where trained people such as we have today can practice their various trades.

I am aware that the Artisanal Skills Training component of the EYEP is being implemented in the four regions of the Kingdom, in partnership  with the municipalities of Ezulwini, Mankayane, Nhlangano and Siteki.

Ezulwini is the first to undertake the training in the Hhohho Region, and I want to thank all those that have made this possible including Chief Sifiso Khumalo who is also the Kingdom’s Attorney-General. I also thank, in a special way, the Ministry of Education and Training, Manzini Industrial Training Centre and Ezulwini Municipality for the partnership in training the artisans who are graduating today.

Nhlangano, Siteki, and Mankayane municipalities are also on standby for the roll out of this exciting programme in all regions.

As the first cohort of artisanal training graduates today, we are confident that the journey will not end here. UNDP is already in consultation with the Construction Industry Council to ensure that the graduates find internship opportunities.

You may also be aware that the Graduate Placement component of the EYEP is also on-going. Since July 2023, 190 graduates have been placed within over 40 organizations, including the Attorney General’s Chambers, Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, government departments, UN agencies, SMEs and NGOs.

The EYEP received over 2 800 applicants under this component, and this goes to show that a lot more work needs to be done to ensure that every young liSwati gets an opportunity to generate income and is afforded the opportunity to contribute to the economy. I believe we should all celebrate these achievements accomplished in such a short period of time.

Hon. Ministers, graduates, ladies and gentlemen,

A part of our reason for being here today is to underscore the importance of an all-rounded architecture of education that caters for all learners and covers all of society’s development needs.

Our graduates today include those whom, for various reasons, found themselves outside of the formal school system at different stages. We are here to affirm that being outside of the formal school system does not mean – and should not mean – that we cannot pursue the education and the skills we need to make a living, have a fulfilling life, and contribute to development.

Our cohort today is graduating with important skills in sewing, plumbing, electrical installation, building and construction, metalwork and upholstery. These contribute to an important segment of skills that are needed to propel job creation and development.

Indeed, in today’s world, where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, technical education and skills are becoming increasingly important in reducing unemployment and improving standards of living.

I suggest that we also recognise that artisanal skills can play a major role in ensuring value addition to our raw materials and natural resources as key to driving manufacturing and industrialisation in order to get value for our rich natural endowments.

Ladies and gentlemen,

We are meeting at a time when all roads are leading to New York both for the annual UN General Assembly and the important SDG Summit which is intended to generate a new momentum to achieve the SDGs in the remaining 6 years to 2030.

As you may know, our world is facing multiple crises and every country needs to seek home-grown solutions.

Job creation lies at the heart of lifting people out of poverty and contributes to social stability and economic prosperity. Job creation empowers individuals, families and communities; giving them a sense of purpose and dignity.

Job creation is about transforming lives and building a brighter, dignified and sustainable future for all. And to create jobs, we must adopt a systems-thinking approach where we recognise the need to continuously create a conducive policy, institutional, cultural and social environment for both local and international investments.

As I conclude, allow me to perhaps suggest a few words of wisdom to the graduating class:

First, always remember that learning is a lifelong process. The skills and knowledge you have gained during the training are just the beginning. Keep learning, keep growing, and never stop challenging yourself.

Second, in order for us to succeed, we need to combine the technical skills with the values, attitudes and attributes that can help us find decent work or create employment ourselves. Such values and attributes include creativity, leadership, teamwork, planning, marketing, customer care and communication.

Third, and related to the second, remember that success is not just about what you achieve, but also about how you achieve it. Always be honest, ethical, and respectful in your work and interactions with others. These qualities will take you far in life.

Finally, always strive for excellence and be disciplined in everything you do. Whether it’s a small task or a big project, give it your all. Your hard work and dedication will pay off in the long run.

Once again, congratulations to you graduating Artisans. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Siyabonga Kakhulu. I thank you.