Africa-Press – Eswatini. They came with notebooks, open hearts, and steel-toed boots, and what greeted them was more than just a construction site.
It was a nation ready to welcome, to teach, and to grow with them.
Last week, the Kingdom of Eswatini rolled out its warmest welcome to a group of bright-eyed students from Engineers in Action, a U.S.-based initiative that brings engineering students to rural communities across the globe.
But this wasn’t just another international service trip. It was an invitation to connect, transform, and be transformed.
At the heart of the reception was Siboniso Masilela, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, whose heartfelt words set the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable journey.
“Welcome to the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said with a wide smile and genuine warmth. “We are thrilled to have you here with us.” His voice carried the excitement of a nation proud to host young innovators eager to contribute to something greater than themselves.
Beside him stood Sibusiso Mbingo, the ever-committed Director of Microprojects, who didn’t mince words about the profound experience awaiting the students.
“You’ll experience life-changing moments,” he promised. “You’ll see how people live here, and you’ll realize how interconnected we all are.”
And it’s not just about hammering nails or mixing cement.
According to Mbingo, the programme goes deeper than infrastructure. The students will live with local families, share meals around kitchen fires, and engage with communities that reflect the rich, resilient spirit of Eswatini.
“This is more than just a visit,” Mbingo said. “It’s about building relationships, understanding each other’s lives, and finding unity in our diversity.”
With warm hospitality, the hosts assured the visiting group that their safety and well-being were of the utmost importance. Regular check-ins and community engagement would help the students stay connected, supported, and embraced like family.
For Eswatini, this partnership is not new. Masilela reflected on the project’s humble beginnings back in 2017, when the idea of international collaboration was still finding its feet. Fast forward eight years, and the impact is now clear.
“We’ve seen real change,” Masilela said. “Vulnerable communities have benefitted. Children now have access to schools and clinics that didn’t exist before. These are not just buildings, they are bridges to opportunity.”
The Engineers in Action initiative isn’t just a win for Eswatini. It’s a two-way street of growth and enlightenment. The students gain cultural insight, humility, and professional experience, while the communities they serve gain essential infrastructure and lifelong friendships.
As the sun sets behind the hills of Eswatini, new bonds are being forged, one brick, one story, and one shared meal at a time. In this cross-cultural exchange, it’s clear that building bridges goes far beyond engineering. It begins with people.
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