Europe Day 2024 in Eswatini: Launch of EU Book Corner at Mbabane National Library
The Book Corner aims to avail European literature to emaSwati, both young and old. During the launch, the EU Delegation also helped to launch a local book authored by a local hip-hop artist, Thamsanqa “Krtc” Sibandze. Titled “The 10 Pillars of Artistic Mastery”, the book provides much needed guidance for aspiring and young artists on the path towards artistic growth and mastery for greatness.
In her speech during the launch, EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Dessislava Choumelova, said the value of culture and education was reflected in the EU moto ‘United in Diversity’. She said the moto illustrates how Europeans have come together, in the form of the EU, to work for peace and prosperity for European citizens.
The Ambassador said for Europe, art and culture are freedom – freedom to create, connect and to broaden horizons. She was grateful for the partnership with the National Library, which has seen the launch of the EU Book Corner. EU Member States - Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Sweden provided the books for the Corner. Books from Ireland and Spain are yet to arrive. The Ambassador invited emaSwati to make use of the EU Book Corner for research, learning and access to information.
Also present during the launch was the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology, Phesheya Dube, who appreciated the inauguration of the EU Book Corner, saying it will benefit many emaSwati, particularly school learners and tertiary students doing research.