Neno district youth officer Memory Baluwa has commended International Organisation for Migration for equipping the youth in the district with vocational and entrepreneurship skills to generate their own income.
She said this on Monday after 25 youths from Traditional Authority Mlauli in the district graduated from Face Vocational School in Zalewa.
Baluwa urged the trainees to utilise the skills to create opportunities for themselves, noting that empowering young people with vocational skills is essential for strengthening the national economy.
International Organisation for Migration HIV Knows No Borders Project sexual and reproductive health and rights coordinator Martha Kaula reaffirmed their commitment to supporting young people.
She said the project, funded by The Netherlands, works with youths in border districts in promoting sexual and reproductive rights alongside economic empowerment.
Kaula said the organisation believes that equipping young people with economic skills will help reduce poverty by creating job opportunities locally.
“Those who underwent the training will be self-employed and will not think of going to other districts or countries in search of jobs but rather develop their communities,” she said.
One of the trainees, Mayamiko Nkolokosa, described the training as a financial turning point in her life.
“I will establish a tailoring shop to support my family,” she said.
The trainees acquired hands-on skills in information and communications technology, plumbing, welding and tailoring.
They also received start-up materials for business.
