DISENGAGED YOUNG MEN IN ESWATINI

Sir,
I am writing to express my concern about the growing number of young men in Eswatini who appear to be disengaged from education, employment and their communities. I see it on the streets, local shops, and even within my own extended family. Too many young men appear to be drifting, lacking direction and purpose and I fear for our country’s future if this trend continues unabated.

While there are undoubtedly complex socio-economic factors at play, I believe we need to have an open and honest conversation about the specific challenges facing young men today. It’s easy to blame unemployment, but I believe the issue goes deeper than that. I see a lack of positive role models, a decline in mentorship opportunities and a societal shift that seems to have left many young men feeling lost and disconnected.

Skills

In the past, young men often learned valuable skills and life lessons through apprenticeships, family businesses or community involvement. These avenues seem to be less prevalent today.
Many young men lack access to technical training or vocational programmes that could equip them with practical skills and increase their employability. They find themselves trapped in a cycle of unemployment, which further erodes their self-esteem and motivation.Furthermore, traditional expectations of men as providers and leaders appear to contrast with the realities of modern living.  Many young males struggle to obtain permanent jobs, making it difficult to carry out these customary tasks.  

Frustration

This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration, which can appear as undesirable behaviours, including substance misuse, criminal activity, or social disengagement.  I also feel that we must address the shifting dynamics of family structures.  Many young men are growing up without good male role models, making it difficult for them to develop a positive sense of identity and purpose.  The lack of fathers or other positive male figures can create a hole that is difficult to replace.It is crucial that we invest in programmes and initiatives that support young men in their development.

We need to strengthen our educational system, particularly in the areas of vocational training and skills development. We need to create more opportunities for mentorship and guidance, connecting young men with positive role models who can provide them with support and direction. We also need to foster a culture that encourages young men to seek help and support when they are struggling, rather than resorting to harmful coping mechanisms.

This is a problem that affects everyone, not just young guys. The future of Eswatini is dependent on the active participation and contribution of all citizens, including its young males. If we fail to solve these issues, we risk losing a generation of talent, which would be disastrous for our society. I urge community leaders, educators, parents and lawmakers to work together to address this critical issue. We need to establish a supportive environment in which young men can prosper, reach their full potential, and contribute to society. Let us work together to create a brighter future for Eswatini’s young men and the nation as a whole.

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