The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of young people across the country.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of various empowerment items, including grants, loaned motorbikes, and sports kits, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts Elvis Nkandu emphasized that these empowerments are part of the government’s broader efforts to transform the livelihoods of youth in both rural and urban areas.
Mr Nkandu urged recipients to use these resources responsibly, as they are intended to support their growth and development, not to be misused.
He said the grants if well utilized can transform young people’s lives and create employment for themselves and others.
He has since called for mindset change among youths saying positive attitude is essential to the improvement of one’s well-being.
The Minister added that the grants being given out are a sign of the Government’s commitment of ways through which the government desires to better the wellness of all the young people.
“These funds are not to be used for lobola (dowry), paying back credit and beer drinking among others. The grants should be invested into business so that it can grow,” he stated.
Mr Nkandu echoed that the government is alive to the many challenges being faced by young people in the nation who were neglected by other past administrations hence the current government prioritising intervening such as the National Youth Policy and decentralized Youth Empowerment Fund,” he said.
Mr Nkandu was speaking yesterday at Chinsali Civic Center during the handover ceremony of the empowerment.
Meanwhile, Acting Chinsali District Commissioner Brenda Silwembe urged the beneficiaries to utilise the empowerments prudently.
Ms Silwembe pointed out that the exercise of empowering youths highlights the importance of empowering youths who have the potential and opportunity to drive positive change in communities.
“Let us value these empowerment and use them for our own good,” she said.
Meanwhile, youths in Chinsali have expressed gratitude to the government for the empowerment and pledged to use them for the intended purpose.
