Empowered Isoka youths hail Government

Youths that have been empowered in Isoka District in Muchinga Province have expressed gratitude to the government for empowering them and recognising their contribution towards socio-economic development.

The youths that have been empowered with grants, motorbikes under the loan component and sports kits say for the first time, the government has recognised them despite living in rural areas.

One of the youths talked to by the media, Mary Namfukwe, who benefited from a motorbike , has since called on other young people to take advantage of the empowerment being implemented by the Government.

Ms Namfukwe said the motorbike she has benefited will help her start up a business.

“I have benefited from a motorbike, I will put it on the road for business and I will use the money to pay back the loan while I raise money for business,” she said.

She further added that she will start a business which will help sustain her life and that of her family.

Ms Namfukwe further thanked the government for empowering her and many other youths in Isoka District and the province at large, saying the empowerment will soon yield positive results.

And Neria Nawale who could not believe she is one of the beneficiaries after she was picked in the crowd said her dreams have come true.

Ms Nawale stated that God has answered her prayers adding that she will use the funds prudently.

“I was not on the list but the Minister picked me, I will receive a grant and use it for business,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ronald Bwalya who completed his grade 12 last year said the motorbike will help him raise funds for him to further his studies.

“I will be driving this motorbike myself to raise funds so that I can go to the university for my studies,” he said.

He, however, urged other beneficiaries of motorbikes under the loan component to pay back according to the guidelines so that other young people can also be empowered.

And Minister of Youths, Sports and Arts, Elvis Nkandu who was at hand to hand over the empowerment held in Isoka Central Business District this afternoon, said the government is alive to the challenges the young people are faced with.

Mr Nkandu stated that through the empowerment received by the young people, he expects their living standards to improve.

“May I take this opportunity to also warn those that have benefited the motorbikes to ensure they adhere to traffic rules,” he charged.

The Minister added that recently Muchinga Province has recorded an increase in the numbers of accidents caused by motorbike riders.

Mr Nkandu said such will not be tolerated adding that the beneficiaries should guard their motorbikes and ensure the traffic rules are followed.

“You should also ensure that you pay back so that others can benefit,” he said.

And speaking at the same event, Isoka area Member of Parliament Marjorie Nakaponda appealed to the young people to put politics aside, saying politics should not stop development.

Ms Nakaponda further stated that the government of the United Party for National Development (UPND) places the young people at heart hence empowering them.

A total of 202 youths in Isoka District have benefited from the grants, motorbikes under the loan component and sports kits.