September 25, 2026
Young Heroes Commemorates 20 Years of Impact
Friday, September 25, 2026, was a day of reflection, celebration, and shared memories as Young Heroes commemorated 20 years of walking alongside children, young people, families, and communities across Eswatini.
The commemoration brought together staff, beneficiaries, government representatives, development partners, and friends of Young Heroes. It offered an opportunity to revisit the organization’s origins, recognize the people and partnerships that have shaped its journey, celebrate its impact over the years, and look ahead to the work ahead.
Young Heroes Executive Director Khulekani Magongo reflected on its 2006 origins as a NERCHA program, traced the organization’s evolution, and highlighted key milestones, institutional growth, and expanded interventions to meet the changing needs of children and young people in Eswatini.
The long-serving employee, Cebsile Zwane, shared her professional development journey with Young Heroes, spanning over 15 years.
“One of the greatest milestones of my journey was representing Young Heroes and Eswatini at an international AIDS conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I presented findings on treatment outcomes and retention in care. As I stood on that international platform, I remembered the young woman who had entered Young Heroes looking for a secretarial job. Now, that same woman was representing her organization and her country before an international audience, ” she said.
Her testimony showed that the organization’s commitment to unleashing potential also extends to employees who have dedicated their professional lives to serving communities.
The event featured personal testimonies from beneficiaries who shared their experiences in Young Heroes programs and the difference the organization’s support has made in their lives.
Nozipho Mkhatshwa and Zwakele Dlamini shared how Young Heroes’ programs are structured around four pillars: Healthy, Educated, Safe, and Stable.
- Healthy: 201,847 reached through HIV prevention; 126,041 linkages to health services.
- Educated: 90,728 received education support; 32,103 completed high school.
- Safe: 61,709 reached with violence prevention education; 16,551 received post-violence services.
- Stable: 26,286 reached through business and entrepreneurship training; 70,970 participated in WORTH savings and lending groups.
The event featured partners who have played important roles in the Young Heroes journey. Jacqueline, together with her parents, Pam and Craig Eisenberg, were acknowledged for supporting Young Heroes from inception to date.
Former NERCHA Executive Director, Dr Derek von Wissell, also reflected on the role played by former peace corps volunteer – Steve Kallaugher- in the establishment of Young Heroes.
The current NERCHA National Executive Director, Dr Nondumiso Ncube, pronounced the importance of continued partnerships and collaboration in advancing the well-being of children, young people and communities.
MTN Bushfire also joined the platform, reflecting on its relationship with Young Heroes and the value of partnerships that bring together organizations working towards shared social development objectives.
The Young Heroes Board Chairperson, Armand Perry, emphasized the role of NERCHA, Pact, partners, and leadership in reaching this milestone. He reinforced the importance of the partnerships and shared purpose that remain essential as Young Heroes enters its next chapter.
Musical performances added color and energy to the occasion, with guests joining in song and celebration.
Tags: 20 Years of Young Heroes Eswatini, Children and Young People, Community Development, Economic Strengthening, Education Support, Health Services, HIV prevention, Violence Prevention, WORTH Savings Groups, Youth Empowerment, Youth Entrepreneurship
