By JULIUS PHIRI –
GOVERNMENT  is in the process of establishing auto mechanics centres in all the provincial headquarters in a programme to empower youths.
Defence Deputy Minister Joseph Lungu said the programme was aimed at empowering the youth with knowledge in mechanics.
Colonel Lungu explained that the Government would continue with such programmes  to alleviate the suffering of the youth in the country.
He said Government was also aware of the challenges facing youth centres under the Zambia National Service (ZNS) across the country.
He said the Government would prioritise solving these problems through timely funding and construction of more classroom blocks in an effort to cushion the shortages of facilities in ZNS centres.
Col Lungu said at the graduation of 341 youths who underwent various skills training at Chiwoko ZNS camp in Chipata yesterday that the Government would create more skills training in ZNS camps in the country.
Col Lungu told the gathering, which included Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Chileshe Mulenga, and district commissioners, that it was the desire of the Government to foster a conducive environment in learning institutions.
He said the Government was working to ensure that sanity prevailed in the military circles.
He said Chiwoko and Kitwe ZNS camps had 11343 youths since the programme began in 2005.
He urged the graduands to live exemplary lives in order to excel.
Speaking earlier, ZNS Deputy Commandant Alick Kamizhi said the 341 graduands were highly qualified in various skills.
Major General Kamizhi said the youth who had graduated should be assisted in acquiring loans from the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) so that they could be fully empowered.
He said Chiwoko ZNS lacked adequate classrooms.