BY NONHLANHLA MKHABELA
MBABANE – EU’s lucrative carrot for Eswatini youth.
“Today, we open a new chapter in our cooperation, by committing ourselves to long-term support for the youth in line with our shared values: human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights”
Those were words shared by Ms. Dessislava Choumelova who is the European Ambassador to Eswatini, yesterday during the press conference in Mbabane. According to European Union Facebook page, the funding will focus mainly on the priority area of Human Development and Social Inclusion with a mission to assist the emaSwati youth. It is stated that the programme will run for a period of seven years. The European Union and the Kingdom of Eswatini have a long-standing and cordial partnership dating back than 50 years now. This partnership focuses on poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable and inclusive growth and development. The Ambassador mentioned that she wishes to see European cooperation improve the daily lives of even more emaSwati and create further opportunities, especially for the young and women.
Choumelova stated that the MIP is based on clear understanding of the EU and Eswatini mutual interests and responsibilities and the country’s National Development Plan.
The MIP is an acronym for Multiannual Indicative Programme. “MIP has been defined following extensive consultation with the Eswatini Government, 27 EU Member States and diverse key stakeholders in certain civil society organisations, including women and youth bodies, local authorities, representatives of the private sector, the United Nation and other partners. It responds to the context of existing political and socio-economic challenges that have been aggravated by climate change, COVID-19 pandemic, the civil unrest and delays in conducting an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue,” Ms. Choumelova’s stated in her statement.
She further elaborated that the MIP focuses on empowering the disadvantaged youth and women with skills, income generation and employment through series of intervention to improve access to formal and non-formal education and the quality of the Technical and Vocational Education and training [TVET] system. “Projects will be designed to support durable peace, long-term stability across the country and progress towards the SDGs. Sustainable Development Goals aim to transform the world, they are a call to action to end poverty and inequality, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy health, justice and prosperity.” stated the Ambassador.
