Translate
News
Youth from Lubombo TFCA Spark Community Dialogue Through Solar Cinema
7 August 2025
The Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo dei Paesi Emergenti (COSPE), facilitated and is implementing a grant supported by the Joint Action NaturAfrica / Climate Resilience and Natural Resource Management (C-NRM) Programme – a partnership between the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the European Union (EU), and the German Government.
COSPE is working with 4 youth changemakers, Beketele Mfuma, Mahlu’Bandile Dlamini, Nothando Manyisa, and Baptisa Bisqeute (aged 19–29) from Eswatini and Mozambique. Through a collaboration with Sunshine Cinema, these youth have been selected as Rays of Change Facilitators, sparking dialogue and engagement within their communities. They are working closely with local community trusts in Ka-Shewula and Maphungwane (Eswatini), as well as Goba and Matutine (Mozambique), using film as a tool to drive positive social and environmental change.
The facilitators were picked on the basis of interest in the media and communication space as well as having a passion for tackling environmental social and economic issues in their communities. In addition to being facilitators in their communities; the Rays of change facilitators are enrolled in a 1-year course at the University of Cape Town (UCT) focusing on multimedia and content creation. Through their experience on the field and training with UCT, the facilitators are encouraged to use their working tools to also freelance as multi-media professionals, harnessing an entrepreneurial spirit.
The facilitators are well equipped for their screenings as they use solar powered tools all packaged into a Sun Box that has a as solar powered battery, projector, camera, laptop and speaker. Having solar powered equipment allows facilitators to work in remote areas that have no access to electricity also promoting climate adaptable solutions.
The Ray of Change facilitators, host frequent engaging sessions in their local communities showcasing documentaries and films that speak to environmental and socio-economic matters.
This creative approach on advocacy has proven to be effective as it encourages community members to engage on topics that range from the effects of climate change, gender-based violence (GBV) and gender equality and nature conservation; eventually promoting positive social change.
“I recently facilitated the screening of Liyana at Tikhuba High school. The film sparked powerful and emotional conversations among the students around human rights, GBV and HIV awareness. The discussion was deep, inspiring and full of courage. Moments like this show how films truly spark conversations.” – Mahlu’bandile Dlamini - Eswatini Spark Facilitator.
In the 5 months of implementation, the facilitators have sparked positive impact bridging the intergenerational gap in communities when it comes to open discussions on issues affecting communities. The collaboration with youth in communities is proving as to how youth can play a role in addressing issues through creative art forms and become a beacon of hope in communities, youth leaders are best at addressing their fellow mates. Future collaborations are envisioned by bringing in more youth from communities across SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs).
https://youtu.be/9vV0ObFda5A?si=NahLFmxJ8U2y_Mzq
https://sunshinecinema.org/
For more information, contact Arnaud Irakoze on arnaud.irakoze@cospe.org or Phile Nhlabatsi on phile.nhlabatsi@cospe.org
COSPE is working with 4 youth changemakers, Beketele Mfuma, Mahlu’Bandile Dlamini, Nothando Manyisa, and Baptisa Bisqeute (aged 19–29) from Eswatini and Mozambique. Through a collaboration with Sunshine Cinema, these youth have been selected as Rays of Change Facilitators, sparking dialogue and engagement within their communities. They are working closely with local community trusts in Ka-Shewula and Maphungwane (Eswatini), as well as Goba and Matutine (Mozambique), using film as a tool to drive positive social and environmental change.
The facilitators were picked on the basis of interest in the media and communication space as well as having a passion for tackling environmental social and economic issues in their communities. In addition to being facilitators in their communities; the Rays of change facilitators are enrolled in a 1-year course at the University of Cape Town (UCT) focusing on multimedia and content creation. Through their experience on the field and training with UCT, the facilitators are encouraged to use their working tools to also freelance as multi-media professionals, harnessing an entrepreneurial spirit.
The facilitators are well equipped for their screenings as they use solar powered tools all packaged into a Sun Box that has a as solar powered battery, projector, camera, laptop and speaker. Having solar powered equipment allows facilitators to work in remote areas that have no access to electricity also promoting climate adaptable solutions.
The Ray of Change facilitators, host frequent engaging sessions in their local communities showcasing documentaries and films that speak to environmental and socio-economic matters.
This creative approach on advocacy has proven to be effective as it encourages community members to engage on topics that range from the effects of climate change, gender-based violence (GBV) and gender equality and nature conservation; eventually promoting positive social change.
“I recently facilitated the screening of Liyana at Tikhuba High school. The film sparked powerful and emotional conversations among the students around human rights, GBV and HIV awareness. The discussion was deep, inspiring and full of courage. Moments like this show how films truly spark conversations.” – Mahlu’bandile Dlamini - Eswatini Spark Facilitator.
In the 5 months of implementation, the facilitators have sparked positive impact bridging the intergenerational gap in communities when it comes to open discussions on issues affecting communities. The collaboration with youth in communities is proving as to how youth can play a role in addressing issues through creative art forms and become a beacon of hope in communities, youth leaders are best at addressing their fellow mates. Future collaborations are envisioned by bringing in more youth from communities across SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs).
https://youtu.be/9vV0ObFda5A?si=NahLFmxJ8U2y_Mzq
https://sunshinecinema.org/
For more information, contact Arnaud Irakoze on arnaud.irakoze@cospe.org or Phile Nhlabatsi on phile.nhlabatsi@cospe.org
Subscribe
