Kambwili calls for youth integration

—–Minister for Youth and Sport, Chishimba Kambwili, says government is working with youths to ensure full integration of youths in national development matters.

In a speech read on his behalf his deputy, Steven Masumba, Mr Kambwili said government is in a hurry to develop the nation by involving youths and stakeholders in policy formulation.

He said government is reviewing the 2006 National Youth Policy to make it relevant to the needs of the Zambian youths for positive change in communities.

Mr Kambwili added that government is working in collaboration with stakeholders to develop a youth employment creation and skills acquisition.

This was during the regional consultative regional Youth Policy review forum for Luapula, Northern and Muchinga Provinces.

The Youth and Sport Minister pointed out that the PF government is realizing notable progress in the construction of universities in Lusaka, Western and Muchinga Provinces.

Mr Kambwili also said the government of President Michael Sata has embarked on construction of model Youth Resource Centres in Kafue, Rufunsa, Luanshya and Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt to ensure youths   have access to quality tertiary education.

He said government will continue to implement developmental programmes in order to create employment for the youths to benefit the entire nation.

Mr Kambwili urged delegates to devote and dedicate themselves in the regional consultative forum to be focused and contribute positively to its process.

Meanwhile, a youth delegate Peter Chinunda, commended government for taking a bold decision of convening the consultative forum saying the review forum will find solutions to many challenges affecting the youths.

Chinunda noted that the new policy should spell out the priorities for the youths in participation, employment, entrepreneurship, education and training professionalism.

He said the current policy under review puts youths in a vulnerable position as they were easily abused by using them for fundraising to enrich elderly persons.

The regional Youth Policy review drew youth delegates from Luapula, Muchinga and Northern Provinces at Nellas Lodge in Kasama.