By MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI  –
GOVERNMENT says it will rely on the long-standing partnership and support from organisations like the Boys Brigade in the successful implementation of youth programmes.
Speaking during the Boys Brigade golden jubilee celebrations in Ndola at the Zambia International Trade Fair yesterday, chief Government spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili said youths play a pivotal role in national development.

. Kambwili

Mr Kambwili, who is Information and Broadcasting Minister, said Government will count on partnerships and support from stakeholders like the Boys Brigade in the successful implementation of measures aimed at improving the welfare of youths so that they contribute meaningfully to national development.
“To the youths, I urge them to take advantage of the massive investments being ploughed in the improvement of their welfare by staying away from indulgence in social vices such as drug abuse and beer drinking, which pre expose them to HIV and AIDS and other harmful effects which may destroy their life and future,” he said.
He said Government has created a number of opportunities for the youths such as the Youth Development Fund, Citizen Economic Empowerment Fund, the Young Innovators Fund and Women Empowerment Fund.
The launch of the National Youth Policy was an appreciation of the pivotal role youths play in national development.
“As such, no meaningful development can be achieved without youths involvement,” he said.
National Boys Brigade Zambia National Patron Andrew Kamanga said the organisation exists to advance Christianity among the youths.
Mr Kamanga said the Boys Brigade activities revolve around spiritual, social, community, educational and physical programmes.
“Some of our activities include Bible classes, camping and expedition, first aid debates, teen talks, inter-squad’s competition and brass bands in some battalions,” he said.
BBZ president Maxwell Sichula commended Government for its efforts in uplifting the well being of the youths in the country.
“It is an acknowledged fact that our Government is doing everything possible to uplift the well-being of our youths in the country, who comprise 60 per cent of our population,” he said.
Mr Sichula thanked Government for the financial support that it had been rendering to the organisation.
The event attracted youths from different parts of the country.