Africa-Press – Eswatini. To combat the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Eswatini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has urged the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to consider the establishment of vocational schools in the Kingdom.
This appeal was made during a significant bilateral meeting with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko in Tokyo, where the two leaders discussed strategies to enhance cooperation between Japan and Eswatini.
The Prime Minister’s call for vocational education comes at a time when the youth unemployment rate in Eswatini has reached alarming levels, prompting the government to seek innovative solutions to equip young people with the skills necessary for the job market.
By establishing vocational schools, the Prime Minister envisions a pathway for emaSwati to gain practical skills that align with the demands of various industries, thereby fostering economic growth and reducing unemployment.
During the meeting, Dlamini expressed his gratitude for Japan’s longstanding support, particularly in the education sector.
He acknowledged JICA’s contributions to the construction of climate-resilient secondary schools across Eswatini and the provision of essential educational materials that have significantly improved the quality of education in the country.
“We are thankful for Japan’s commitment to our education system, which is crucial for the future of our youth,” he stated.
Prime Minister Russell Dlamini shakes hands with Japan International Cooperation Agency President Dr Tanaka Akihiko during a significant bilateral meeting in Tokyo.
In response, Dr Akihiko reaffirmed JICA’s dedication to supporting Eswatini’s educational initiatives and expressed enthusiasm for the proposed vocational schools.
He emphasised that such institutions could play a vital role in addressing the skills gap in the country, ultimately leading to increased employability for young people.
“Investing in vocational education is investing in the future of Eswatini,” he remarked.
The discussions also touched on JICA’s Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) initiative, which aims to empower farmers through improved planning and seed selection.
Dr Akihiko invited Eswatini to adopt this program, highlighting its potential to enhance agricultural productivity and boost farmers’ incomes.
Furthermore, the PM commended JICA for its pivotal role in establishing a joint disaster risk management centre in Eswatini.
He praised Japan’s advanced early warning systems and disaster-resistant infrastructure, which have been instrumental in enhancing the country’s resilience to natural disasters.
The Prime Minister noted that such initiatives are crucial for safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of climate change.
Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of Eswatini-Japan relations. JICA reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration in various sectors, including skills exchange, capacity building, and disaster risk management.
The discussions set the stage for a robust partnership that could yield significant benefits for the people of Eswatini.
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