eSwatini: EU Bushfire Schools Festival 2025 launched

Running under the theme Art as the Driver in the Pursuit of Sustainability, this year’s festival aims to ignite the imagination of eSwatini’s youth through a dynamic celebration of creativity and innovation focused on sustainable futures.

The EU Bushfire Schools Festival, a key initiative of the MTN Bushfire Festival’s Bring Your Fire call to action, brings together secondary school learners, high school students, and out-of-school youth art clubs from across the country. Participants engage in an interactive programme of creative performances, visual arts exhibitions, storytelling, and hands-on workshops designed to foster dialogue, promote sustainable thinking, and empower the next generation of artists.

Launched in 2010 to support the creation of a national arts curriculum in public schools, the festival has since evolved into a cornerstone of arts development in eSwatini. Over the years, it has engaged 10 280 learners and 695 teachers from all four regions, as well as 76 facilitators. The initiative has not only nurtured talent but also contributed to employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the creative sector.

Each year, MTN Bushfire and its partners, including the European Union, introduce a new theme to inspire both students and educators. The 2025 theme highlights the transformative power of art in addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality. By framing sustainability through a creative lens, the festival aims to present accessible, innovative solutions driven by the country’s youth.

The 2025 edition will culminate in a one-day Open Day on 29 May. This peer-led event will feature a curated line-up of workshops, exhibitions, and performances aimed at equipping students with skills relevant to the creative economy and sustainable development. A record-breaking number of applications were received this year, reflecting the enthusiasm and talent of young people eager to engage with the festival’s mission.

A new feature for 2025 is a mentorship programme for aspiring MCs. Young hosts will develop public speaking, leadership, and event management skills under the guidance of experienced professionals and festival alumni KrTC and Black Note.

Thirty learning institutions and youth organisations from both rural and urban areas will be selected to participate, with around 600 attendees expected. Collaborating with local arts facilitators, students will prepare performances reflecting the festival’s core message while celebrating cultural diversity and creativity. Participants will also explore immersive environments featuring technology, visual arts, and live performance.