The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on government and other stakeholders to invest in young people in order to create an army of responsible youths in the country.
JCTR Executive Director Leonard Chiti said investing in youths can eventually create a sustainable socio-economic environment in Zambia.
Fr. Chiti said it was imperative that the youths are prepared at an early age for them to have a firm foundation especially that young people were leaders of tomorrow.
He told ZANIS in Lusaka today that the high unemployment levels in the country among the young people was unacceptable and therefore needed urgent attention.
“It is high time the young people begin to experience the benefits of economic growth, such as a stable democratic dispensation, a positive economic environment and a good electoral process,” he said.
Fr. Chiti pointed out that Youth and Sport Minister Vincent Mwale should take a policy shift towards rewarding young people in the carpentry, electrical, auto mechanics and other professions.
He said young people must be encouraged to mark the youth day responsibly.
Zambia yesterday celebrated youth day under the theme, ‘The youth, building a stable and sustainable future’.
Money never sleeps. First step to achieve that is to liberalize the business hours. Let business operate within the window from 6am to 22:00 hrs. Then strengthen the labour laws and educate the public about there benefits. Let the pay be calculated in hourly pay. Introduce a 40 hour work week for basic pay. Any extra hours worked after is Overtime. The opening hours will help create more working hours thus forcing employees that don’t want to pay overtime to employee more employees on basic pay. Also introduce a labour court to attend to grievances brought by employees/employers. Encourage work places to have a time clock to monitor attendance. Just like the mines do. This way employers and employees won’t steal from each other.
We in kitwe r in suport of the leadership of our president,and we’ll not condone any statements which we’ll find insultin or derogatory to the president
No Govt can create employment for all the youths. Youths and everyone else should become innovative and creative and have initiative. The Govt on their part should support reativity and innovation and research. This way youths and indeed others can be employers rather than jo seekers for ever.
Govt should encourage innovation etc and at least provide support
Youth unemployment continues growing under the rubbish pf leadership. Youths need vocational training in trades mentioned by JCTR, but no hope under this panga regime.
The handout given to cadres who have no training can’t cure youths unemployment. Youths need trades training as it used to be in the past.