MBABANE: The private sector institutions and local government authorities have confirmed their commitment to the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) driven Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme(EYEP) that seeks to,among others,enhance job creation.
The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) is a United Nations(UN) agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development.
UNDP Eswatini has signed Memorandums of Understanding with two companies, the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) and the Construction Industry Council of Eswatini (CIC) the UNDP further signed MOUs with Ezulwini, Nhlangano and Mankayane municipalities.
During the signing ceremony, PSPF Chief Executive Officer(CEO)Masotja Vilakati presented a cheque of E600 000 to UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Rose Ssebatindira.
Speaking during the ceremony, the PSPF CEO said he was excited about the Programme because it seeks to support the youth who are children of PSPF’s members being public servants and those who have retired
”We really appreciate and support this programme because it seeks to assist the youth and these are children of PSPF members, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” said the Public Service Pension Fund(PSPF) Chief Executive Officer(CEO).
On another note, Ms Ssebatindira, the UNDP Resident Representative appreciated the organisations for their support.
“As you know, starting something new is a lonely journey, but it hasn’t been too lonely recently because we have you as partners. Going forward, it ceases to be just UNDP but includes the Government, the private sector and other partners,”said UNDP Resident Representative.
Meanwhile, following the call for applications,over 2 800 registered on the portal for graduate placement, while over 600 applied for artisanal skills training with Ezulwini municipality.
The selection for both graduates and none graduates is currently taking place.
Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty line and among struggling population are youth members facing scarcity of jobs.
PSPF Chief Executive Officer(CEO)Masotja Vilakati presented a cheque of E600 000 to UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Rose Ssebatindira(pic: UNDP).