Council lobbies for youth inclusion

Mchinji District Council chairperson Edison Josiah has lobbied non-governmental organisations in the district to impart business skills to the youth so that they become self-reliant.

He made the remarks last week during the graduation of 58 youths at Mkonkha Village in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mavwere through a Youth in Action (YIA) project being implemented in three T/As in the district.

Josiah said the council has developed plans to accommodate youths in various activities.

“Let me give credit to YIA for coming up with a project to support our youths in the district, especially those who dropped out of school, by giving them business skills so that they start relying on themselves.

“Youths, who dropped out of school due to poverty, are suffering because they are not economically empowered,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of YIA project, Mchinji district youth officer Maudling Nhlema said the initiative has started bearing fruits

The graduates received K70 000 each as starter pack to run small-scale businesses.

The project, which is being funded by Master Care Foundation, is targeting youths aged between 14 and 18.

One of the graduates Daniel Chisale, 18, said the programme enabled him to go back to school after staying at home for one and a half years due to lack of fees.

The project is in T/As Mavwere, Mduwa and Mkanda in the district. n