Parents of youths who have benefited from the latest empowerment programme in Kanchibiya District of Muchinga Province have expressed gratitude for the government’s continued commitment to uplifting young people.
One of the parents, Ruth Kabanda, said the government has remained focused on creating an enabling environment for youths to thrive.
Ms Kabanda noted that many young people in the district often fall into bad habits such as excessive beer drinking and drug abuse due to lack of opportunities.
“Our children engage in bad acts because they don’t have jobs or capital to start any business,” she said.
She added that the empowerment of over 200 youths in the district is a game changer that will transform their lives.
Ms Kabanda explained that youths who received loaned motorbikes will venture into transport services to raise income, while those who received grants will be able to start businesses.
She further commended the government, noting that young people are the future leaders of the country and must be given opportunities to succeed.
And another parent, Catherine Chibesa, whose child with a disability also benefited from a grant, said the government continues to support persons with disabilities who face various challenges.
She said she will use the grant to start a business and help meet her child’s needs.
“My child, who is disabled, has benefited from these empowerment programs, and I will use the money to start a business to meet her needs,” she said.
The parents spoke during a handover ceremony of grants, motorbikes under the loan component, and sports kits held at the Kanchibiya District Administration.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth, Sports and Arts Elvis Nkandu thanked the people of Kanchibiya for working with the government to foster development.
Mr. Nkandu said the development projects taking place in the district show strong collaboration between residents especially the youths and the government of the day.
He expressed confidence that the empowerment initiative will help reduce poverty among young people and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving their living standards through various programmes.
He also urged the youths to continue having faith in government as it delivers on its promises.
And Kanchibiya Member of Parliament Sunday Chanda appealed to the government to consider constructing a modern stadium in the district, saying it would help in identifying and nurturing sports talent among the youth.
Minister Nkandu is currently touring districts in Muchinga Province, empowering youths with grants, loaned motorbikes, and sports kits.
