LIKUSASA SKILL CENTRE

Likusasa Lalabasha (meaning bright future) project began with the aim of providing basic life skills for marginalised girls and young women in Manzini through a one year course in home skills such as baking, cooking, sewing, child and health care, first aid, mathematics, English and literacy. This was initiated by a group of concerned professional ladies, to cater for girls dropping out of the ordinary school system. The project was initially set up with funding from a Dutch organization and MYC contributions, starting at St Teresa’s and moving to Enjabulweni in 1994. The project was run in conjunction with a Crèche (Day Care Centre) for 3-6 year olds which catered to working mothers. Fees generated from the crèche help to support the Likusasa project.

In 1997 a separate pilot scheme for Life Skills Training was funded and supported by UNICEF in response to a need to deal with a group of long-term residents of MYC who seemed not to be able to break their dependence on the system and make a life of their own. Successful results inspired a further six month programme which began in January 1998. Areas included communication, problem solving, health and personal development, AIDS/STD’s awareness, alcohol/drug abuse, women’s issues, safe sex/pregnancy, crime, personal hygiene/nutrition, emotions and religion. The goal of this programme was to impart the confidence and skills necessary for participants to get a job, increase self-esteem and lessen their dependency on stimulant abuse. The success of the life skills subjects inspired the idea to include it as a compulsory unit in the Likusasa curriculum.