Malkerns – The European Union in Eswatini and MTN Bushfire Festival have launched the 2026 edition of the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, an annual event that has grown into one of the most anticipated youth programmes in the Kingdom.
The launch took place at House on Fire in Malkerns on May 5, 2026, and was attended by several stakeholders, including a representative of the Minister of Education and Training.
The festival itself is set for May 28, 2026, one day before the main Bushfire weekend, and will bring together more than 600 high school learners, out-of-school youth clubs and children living with disability from across Eswatini for a full day of artistic engagement under the theme “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” 
EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, spoke at the launch and reflected on what has become a long and meaningful partnership.
“For more than 10 years now, actually it’s more than 15 years, the European Union has been very proud to be part of this annual EU Bushfire Schools Festival, which takes place a day before the launch of the main festival, bringing together more than 600 high school learners for a day of self-expression in the many languages of the art,” he said.
“Over this period, we have brought almost 10 000 young people through this day. It is an impressive event that goes beyond performance, serving as a structured space where learners and out-of-school youth engage in workshops, artistic expression and skills-based learning alongside professional artists and industry stakeholders.”
The Ambassador added: “I’m very proud and glad that we continue with this partnership this year again, and we look forward to another exciting day with the high school learners and out-of-school youth on the 28th of May.”
The festival is not a performance showcase. Learners take part in hands-on workshops covering music, dance, poetry, theatre, visual arts and creative entrepreneurship, working alongside professional artists and industry practitioners.
Since the programme began, nearly 10 000 young emaSwati have passed through it, many leaving with renewed confidence, sharpened skills and a broader understanding of opportunities within the creative economy.
