MP empowers 200 youths

Chikwawa South legislator Ilyas Karim has supported 200 youths with capital to start small-scale businesses to support their families.

Speaking in an interview yesterday, he said the K10 million loan initiative, implemented through the Constituency Development Fund, seeks to reduce poverty among the youth in his constituency.

Karim, who is a Malawi Congress Party lawmaker, said the youth need to be supported because they are innovative and have the energy to succeed in life.

“If we can support the youth economically, then we are helping them to become productive citizens,” he said.

Karim asked the youth to use the money for its intended purpose, saying the loan is also meant for other beneficiaries.

Masache Youth Network chairperson Geoffrey Tembo said they have ventured in livestock farming and agro-trading.

“Many youths were indulging in risky behaviour due to lack of employment or lack of capital to start businesses,” he said.

Tembo also echoed Karim’s sentiments, asking beneficiaries to invest the money in businesses that will lift them out of poverty.

On his part, group village head Masache said the initiative has come at a time many youths were beginning to lose hope about getting employment.

“Youths who have completed secondary school and attained certificates were losing it due to failure to clinch jobs. The loans have saved them,” he said.

The new CDF guidelines allow members of Parliament to use 10 percent of the funds for youth development activities.