Travelwthtravellers Writing Team – 18th April 2025
The rolling hills of Eswatini echoed with creativity and collaboration as the 14th edition of the EU Bushfire Schools Festival officially launched at the iconic House On Fire. With the powerful theme, “Art as the Driver in the Pursuit of Sustainability”, this year’s festival is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet — an exciting convergence of art, youth, and innovation.
Spearheaded by the European Union in Eswatini, the initiative received a generous funding boost of E482,367.50, reaffirming the EU’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment and arts development in the region. This financial injection sets the stage for a festival that will ignite imaginations and inspire action across schools in the kingdom.
The launch event was attended by EU Ambassador Karsten Mecklenburg, who highlighted the role of soft skills — like creativity and critical thinking — in preparing young people for a rapidly evolving global economy. “Imagination is currency in the flexible economy of the modern world,” he noted.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, the event featured spirited contributions from Eswatini’s Ministry of Education and Training, as well as youth-led initiatives and performances that stole the show. Highlights included presentations by Umuti of Claiming Ground Creatives, St. Theresa’s High School Environmental Club, the Malindza Refugee Camp, and a moving choral performance by the Vulamasango High School choir.
At its heart, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about impact. It brings together young minds from across Eswatini, empowering them to explore how the arts can help shape a sustainable and unified future. As the countdown begins for the Open Day on Thursday, 29 May 2025, one thing is clear: the fire of creativity in Eswatini’s youth is burning brighter than ever.
A heartfelt thank you to the EU in Eswatini for lighting the path forward — one brushstroke, verse, and melody at a time.
#LightYourFire
#MTNBushfire2025