Youths demand decentralisation of YDF beneficiary selection

Youths demand decentralisation of YDF beneficiary selection

 

Kapiri Mposhi, December16, 2014 —————– Youths in Kapiri Mposhi District who did not benefit from the 2013 and 2014 Youth Development Funds (YDF) allocation have urged government to decentralize the selection of beneficiary groups to district level.

 

The Youths have complained that management and access of the YDF still remained a challenge in the country alleging that most youth groups that meet the criteria continue to be sidelined because of centralization of the funds.

 

Youth Representative, Kelvin Mukuka said only eight groups were successful out of 45 youth groups who applied to be funded to undertake various income generating activities from the 2013 and 2014 YDF allocations.

 

He noted that youths in the district did not benefiting from the 2011 and 2012 funding as well.

 

Mr. Mukuka who led scores of youths to air their grievances to Kapiri-Mposhi District Commissioner, Beatrice Sikazwe said other districts like Kabwe had over 40 youth clubs benefiting from the funds under the same period.

 

He observed that the YDF will remain unsuccessful unless its administration is decentralized to district levels.

 

“We are encouraged to apply for the funds but we don’t get the desired response, things should be changed if this program is to benefit the intended youths countrywide and for youths to participate in the fight against poverty in the country,” Mr. Mukuka said.

 

But Ms. Sikazwe said 11 youth groups from Kapiri Mposhi benefited from the 2013 and 2014 funding out of the total of 89 youth groups approved to receive loans by the National Youth Development Committee in Central Province.

 

Ms. Sikazwe said the successful youth clubs that are currently attending an entrepreneurship workshop in Kabwe have been selected from those that applied for funding under the 2012 and 2013 funding.

 

“The district did not benefit from the 2012 funding so those groups that applied for funding in 2012 and earlier were given priority and we had an overwhelming response in the 2013 and 2014 in terms of applications,” Ms. Sikazwe said.

 

The District Commissioner advised the youths in the District to be patient saying government will consider them in the next YDF allocation.

 

Ms. Sikazwe said the 11 youth clubs that have benefitted from the funding intend to venture into poultry farming, agro business and block making businesses.

 

She further urged beneficiary youths to ensure that they pay back the money for other groups to benefit warning that government will prosecute defaulters.