ORGANISATIONS TO TRAIN 200 GRADUATES

MBABANE – Thirty local corporates and organisations, have accepted to host a total of 200 graduates for a training programme.

These organisations include EswatiniBank, Eswatini Sugar Association, Eswatini Standards Authority, and the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. The graduates are part of 3 000 youths, who applied under the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). According to a statement released by UNDP, 3 000 unemployed graduates applied for the programme. 90 of those applied for the artisanal skills training and have started their two-month training programme facilitated by the Manzini Industrial Training Centre (MITC). UNDP encouraged other companies to become partners by signing up to the programme to host more graduates and provide financial resources to pay stipends.

Workforce

UNDP also encouraged organisations to diversify their workforce by giving a chance to graduates from communities that are left behind, such as persons with disabilities, youth from remote rural backgrounds and women. The programme also includes an artisanal skills training component. This training component is implemented in all the four regions of the country in partnership with municipalities, according to UNDP. The municipalities taking part include Mankayane Town Board (Manzini), Nhlangano City Council (Shiselweni), Ezulwini Municipality (Hhohho) and Siteki City Council (Lubombo).

Training

UNDP also mentioned that about 500 youth from Ezulwini and surrounding had applied for the Artisanal Skills Training component of EYEP. Of these, 90 were selected, and they started their training in building, welding, electrical house wiring, upholstery, sewing and plumbing this week. Of these courses, plumbing, electrical house wiring and upholstery have a balanced mix of men and women, at 50 per cent. While this course was meant for non-graduates and out-of-school youth, some courses attracted applicants with tertiary education. Participants will receive certificates and starter packs to propel them to start small businesses.

About EYEP

EYEP results from a partnership between the government, UNDP, private sector, municipalities and tertiary institutions. The programme supports young graduates between 18 to 35 years old to gain work experience, skills and access to jobs. It also reaches out to young people with little or no tertiary education for training on entrepreneurship for business start-ups.
Over 2 800 unemployed graduates applied under the programme in its first year of implementation.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: