By Banele Magongo
MBABANE – The European Union in Eswatini has expressed its pride in supporting the country’s youth, particularly those working in the creative sector.
On February 26, 2024, EU Ambassador to Eswatini Dessislava Choumelova spoke at the EU Delegation offices in Mbabane about the EU’s support for the country’s youth. Ambassador Choumelova presented certificates to 25 young Eswatini musicians, podcasters, producers, and singers who had completed the Vukubone Sound Lab training program, which is funded by the EU under the Sound Connects Fund regional program. The Ambassador congratulated the graduates on their achievement and expressed the EU’s commitment to continuing its support for the creative sector.
The Sound Connects Fund (SCF) is a new initiative of the European Union, funded through the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) European Union Culture Programme. The goal of the SCF is to accelerate the development of the creative Of the creative industry.
In her speech during the event in which the Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, also attended to present the certificates to the graduates, the Ambassador said,
“Youth are the drivers of social and technological innovation and progress, source of new ideas and inspiration and of unbridled creativity. That is why the EU wishes to help empower the youth of Eswatini with skills for quality jobs, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
As music has no boundaries, we hope that this sound lab will become a springboard for young emaSwati creatives, help them reach out to the world and fulfil their potential.”
In response to the EU’s support, the Minister expressed gratitude and hoped that the collaboration would continue to benefit Eswatini’s youth. The Ambassador also presented the sound lab equipment to the Minister, which is part of the Vukubone Sound Lab project implemented by the Antidote Culture Foundation in partnership with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture.
