BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The European Union (EU) has started to support its member state Eswatini in reducing youth unemployment and inactivity.
The aim is to help young people develop their potential to shape the future of the EU and propel the digital and green transitions forward.
Continuing its dialogue and consultations for the elaboration of its programme to address youth unemployment and employability in Eswatini, the EU met on Friday with government representatives, development partners, Civil Society Organisation, and Youth representatives with the aim of fostering programme ownership and collaboration among national stakeholders.
Amongst the issues discussed was the coordination and data collection of CSO programmes targeting vulnerable youth, the promotion of entrepreneurship, and the role of the private sector in youth empowerment.
It was further discussed, the role of local government in promoting youth empowerment, measures needed to support the reintegration of school drop-outs into education and training and improving awareness of and access to services supporting vulnerable youth, including health, education, and training opportunities, especially for young women and girls.
One of the stakeholders, who identified as an EU member said youth unemployment remains on an upwards trajectory across Eswatini.
“Young people find it very difficult to get a decent and stable job, despite being one of the best-educated generations ever. They are still suffering the effects of the economic crisis and youth unemployment remains stubbornly high in parts of the region years after the peak of the crisis,” she said.
Echoing her sentiments was a youth leader; Zikhona Dlamini who attended the event said moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic is now posing a new threat: where younger generations are facing a harsher labour market than older generations.
“Young people have shown in last years that they are innovative and have strong motivation to create new markets and jobs. Self-employment is another important means of speeding up labour market recovery.
“The EU will support the strengthening of networks for aspiring young entrepreneurs. The support will pay attention in particular to young women, and other discriminated or vulnerable groups while promoting self-employment opportunities in the digital and green economy,” she said.
