MBABANE, Eswatini – Standard Bank has injected a much-needed boost into the fight against youth unemployment in Eswatini, donating E600,000 towards the graduate placement component of the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme (EYEP).
The funding, announced by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Eswatini, will enable the placement of more graduates from a pool of 2,800 applicants.
“This generous support will allow us to place more unemployed graduates into meaningful opportunities,” said UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin. “We are incredibly grateful to Standard Bank for their continued commitment to tackling youth unemployment in Eswatini.”
Standard Bank’s contribution is part of a larger R1,312,500 donation aimed at supporting youth empowerment initiatives across the country. The funds will also benefit organizations like the Esicojeni Foundation, Junior Achievement, End Malaria Fund, USAID Dreams Project, and ENACTUS.
The EYEP program launched in 2023 as a pilot and has already seen success. Since its inception, 300 graduates have been placed across over 70 organizations, with some securing permanent positions.
“We recognize the transformative power of programs like EYEP and the UNDP Graduate Trainee Programme,” said Standard Bank Head of People & Culture, Bongiwe Hlophe. “These initiatives empower young people and equip them with the skills they need to achieve their dreams.”
Organizations interested in offering graduate placements through EYEP can register on the program’s website, www.eyep.org.sz.
