By Ncaba Ntshakala
As part of the steps taken by the Nation towards enhancing educational opportunities for children and young people in the Kingdom, the SOS Children’s Villages officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Eswatini National Libraries Services on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed by Phesheya David Dube, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, and witnessed by Library Director Dudu Kunene.
The MOU will take effect from August 1, 2024, and will remain in force until 2027.
ALSO READ: SOS Children’s Village alumnus thrives in the US, shares inspirational journey
In a statement shared by SOS, the organization emphasized that every child and young person has a right to education.
However, many children in Eswatini and around the world are denied this right and excluded from inclusive, quality, and transformative education.
“Children and young people without parental care or at risk of losing it are particularly vulnerable to missing out on education and training,” the statement noted.
SOS Children’s Villages and the Eswatini National Library Services are said to share a common goal of empowering children and young people by promoting quality education, focusing on each child and young person as a resourceful individual with unique skills and capabilities.
“SOS Children’s Villages is driven to establish partnerships with national and local governments and community-based organizations to empower communities and parents to develop and strengthen educational programmes and support,” said Phindile Nhleko, the National Director of SOS Children’s Villages.
ALSO READ: Old Mutual empowers SOS Children’s Village with over E86 000 sponsorship
“Eswatini National Library Services, on the other hand, is in the same drive of collaborating with strategic partners to attain her vision, mission, and business objectives.
The National Library Service’s mission aligns closely with SOS’s vision, and we are honored to join hands to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in the Kingdom of Eswatini.”
The Director of Eswatini National Library Services, Dudu Kunene elaborated that the collaboration seeks to promote literacy, education, social inclusion, and equality for children who have lost parental care and those at risk of losing it.
She added that the partnership will help enhance academic success and lifelong learning by providing free and equitable access to library services and a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information, and ideas.
It also focuses on the use of new technologies for young people under the care of SOS.
SOS National Director Phindile Nhleko further highlighted the core mission of SOS Children’s Villages which is to empower children and young people to shape their futures.
“We support young people to prepare for independence, helping them gain access to higher education, vocational skills training, mentorships, and internships through initiatives such as Youth Can!, the global partnership for youth employability.
As we support the children and young people in shaping their future, it is critical to also cultivate a culture of reading as this will support in increasing their educational outcomes.” Nhleko said.
