Govt empowers western province youths

Government through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) has handed over empowerment cheques to 67 youth groups and enterprises in the Western province.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Mongu district yesterday, Youth and Sport Minister Chishimba Kambwili said government has prioritized the creation of employment opportunities for youths because they are the bedrock and foundation for national development.

Mr. Kambwili said this in a speech read for him by North Western Province Minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu who is also Mongu Central Member of Parliament.

Mr. Kambwili noted that unemployment and underdevelopment continues to be a major challenge especially among youths.

He explained that this was further compounded by the lack of and limited access to factors of production such as training and effective vocational guidance services that match industry needs.

Mr. Kambwili said government believes that YDF provides an opportunity for the country to absorb the youths into the economic labour force.

He however said government is committed to bringing on board as many youths as possible by ensuring that they take up their rightful place and role in the development of the country.

Speaking earlier, Western province Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba pointed out that the province had received considerable support because of the increasing youthful population in the area.

Mr. Seyuba said that in future more funding is needed for Western province to match the increasing demand for the resources.

He has since appealed to the recipients of the youth funds to pay back on time so that others may also benefit.