Nhloso Likusasa Lelichakazile (NLL) was founded in response to the urgent need to uplift young people in Eswatini who face challenging life circumstances. Recognising the barriers many youth encounter when pursuing higher education and meaningful employment, NLL set out to create sustainable opportunities for growth and independence.

In 2018, Nasiphi Mavuso from Mahlanya and Phumlile Dlamini from Manzini both dreamed of becoming teachers. However, their high school years were challenging, and they didn’t achieve the marks needed to qualify for a government bursary. Nkhosingiphile Dlamini, a talented young man with a passion for carpentry, faced a similar roadblock—he lacked the funds to pursue a formal course. These stories echo the experiences of many Eswatini youth who, after finishing high school, find themselves at a crossroads. Without the grades for tertiary education or the money to pay for private institutions, they are left stranded and unable to move forward.

This challenge troubled local organisations that supported these students through high school, only to see them struggle after graduation. The Likusasa Letfu model, developed by Yael Uzan-Tidhar and the Solon Foundation South Africa, emerged as a solution to this growing problem. By combining tertiary bursaries, monthly allowances, and a comprehensive employability and life skills program, the model provided a much-needed pathway for youth to gain both education and the tools to succeed in the workplace.

Since its inception, the program has supported more than 190 young people who completed one-year vocational courses and earned certificates and diplomas. The impact has been transformative: 83% of participants are now generating income, with many reporting that they can make their own financial decisions. Some have built homes, continued their education, found employment, or started their own businesses. Every year, we reunite with these graduates for our annual hike, where we aim to reach new heights together—both literally and figuratively.

In 2022, with the support of the European Union and UNICEF Eswatini, we realised one of our dreams: the opening of the Likusasa Letfu Youth Centre for Employability (LLYCE), the first of its kind in Eswatini. LLYCE is more than just a physical space—it is a concept and a commitment to empowering youth across the country. We cater to everyone: able-bodied youth, those with disabilities, out-of-school youth, graduates, job seekers, and budding entrepreneurs. Our training takes place both at the Centre and in the communities we serve. In just two years, we have reached over 2,500 youth through a mix of one-day workshops and longer-term projects.

Our Centre is also known for its innovative programs, including the monthly Youth Producers Market, free workshops for entrepreneurs, and initiatives supporting survivors of gender-based violence and youth with disabilities.

Looking to the future, we plan to expand our reach even further by opening additional employability hubs across Eswatini, especially in underserved regions. We will introduce more digital skills training and entrepreneurial programs, focusing on equipping youth with 21st-century skills. Our vision is to ensure that no young person in Eswatini is left behind. By continuing to collaborate with local and international partners, we aim to reach 10,000 youth in the next five years, helping them take control of their futures and build stronger, self-sustaining communities.