By SYLVESTER MWALE –
YOUTH, Sports and Child Development Minister Moses Mawere has pledged increased investment in skills training for the young people in order to fight unemployment and enhance poverty reduction.
Mr Mawere said skills development has continued to play a crucial role in job creation and poverty reduction hence the need to invest in training of the young people.
The minister said when he officiated at the first ever graduation ceremony for 276 students at the Ngungu Youth Resources Centre in Kabwe yesterday that the Government was pursuing youth development as a way of reducing poverty.
“Skills development has continued to play a significant role in the creation of employment and reduction of poverty, and it is one of the key interventions being pursued by Government in addressing the challenges of youth unemployment and improving the social economic wellbeing of citizens especially the youth.
“It is in this regard that Government will continue to prioritise skills development and entrepreneurship training in order to accelerate accessibility and employment opportunities for both rural and urban areas,” he said.
The Government has invested heavily in infrastructure development for education and skills development.
In this regard, the ministry is currently constructing six new youth skills training centres in Lusaka, Muchinga, Copperbelt and Western provinces as well as upgrading two others in Lusaka and Northern provinces.
Mr Mawere said the main aim of the Government was to establish at least one youth centre in each district across the country.
He challenged the graduants to ensure that the acquired skills were put to good use in order to enhance their economic status and contribute to national development.
Earlier, Central Province Minister Sydney Mushanga who is also Bwacha Member of Parliament urged Kabwe Municipal Council to conclude the handover of the centre to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development.
He said the full control of the institution by the ministry would increase enrolment and ultimately help in the fight against poverty and unemployment among the young people.