SUMMER SCHOLARS BLOG: Nozipho Hlophe
Welcome to a summer in Eswatini! Join me on this journey as I uncover the magic of Eswatini, one story at a time. I will take you through the exciting and enriching experiences of my summer spent at UNDP Eswatini.
Nurturing Change in the Heart of Africa
As the summer sun cast its warm embrace over the picturesque landscapes of Eswatini, I embarked on a life-altering journey — a journey that would immerse me in the heart of development work and communication at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Eswatini.
Eswatini, officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, is a small, landlocked country located in southern Africa. It is nestled between South Africa to the west and Mozambique to the east. With a population of approximately 1.1 million people, it is one of Africa’s smaller nations.
Eswatini is known for its rich cultural heritage and is one of the continent’s last remaining absolute monarchies. King Mswati III serves as both the traditional and constitutional leader of the nation. The monarchy plays a central role in Eswatini’s identity, and the country is characterized by vibrant ceremonies, colourful festivals, and a strong sense of cultural pride.
The country’s landscape is diverse, featuring rolling hills in the Highveld region and lush lowland valleys. Eswatini is also home to several national parks and reserves, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Eswatini is located in the capital city, Mbabane. Mbabane is one of the largest cities in Eswatini and serves as the country’s administrative and economic center. The UNDP office in Mbabane would typically be situated in proximity to other government offices, embassies, and international organizations.
The 19th of June I touched down in the picturesque city of Mbabane. My first day in the office, June 20th, was filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. To my delight, my very first assignment turned out to be something truly special — the Youth Agricultural Indaba. This event was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and received support from various government ministries (Ministry of Economic Planning and Development MEPD) and UNDP.
The Youth in Agricultural Indaba was more than just a conference; it was an initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Eswatini to actively engage in agricultural practices and contribute to food security and sustainable development. It was an event where young minds would come together to learn, share ideas, and explore innovative solutions for the agricultural sector.
As I delved into my role, I found myself at the heart of this dynamic event. My tasks ranged from logistical support to helping coordinate workshops and engaging with the inspiring young participants. I witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and passion of the youth as they discussed the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, all with the aim of making a positive impact on their country’s future and addressing youth unemployment.
One of the most remarkable aspects of my summer was the opportunity to support various functional units within UNDP Eswatini. These units were the driving force behind projects related to inclusive economic growth, environmental sustainability, participatory and effective governance, and sustainable development…
Continue reading Nozipho’s blog and see more photos here
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Our Summer Scholars Blog, a collection of reports from post-grad scholars that UNA-NYC has sponsored globally, showcases our fellows' experiences with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations in the country where they are working. Learn more about our Summer Scholars fellowship program and fellows here.