Programme to empower street children on

WHAT seemed an impossible journey has finally become reality. The removal of street kids from the streets has been something that has been a battle and we as Government still remained determined.

It is pleasing to me as Minister for Sports, Youth and Child Development and also as a parent to see smiles on the faces of these children whose lives seemed to have no destinies on streets about to be transformed.

A week ago, the ministry sent 350 street kids to a Zambia National Service training camp in Katete,. This was done for them to acquire survival skills that will allow them earn a living and improve their standards of life.

On Thursday, l wanted to have an understanding of how the 350 street kids and youths we picked from Lusaka and the Copperbelt are coping and responding to behavioural change lessons and skills trainings they are receiving from officers.

I must confess that I am very impressed with what I found at the facility and I must commend ZNS for a job well done so far.

I am happy that officers here are exercising maximum patience with the kids to ensure that they adapt to their new environment. They are responding well to change and I believe they will come out of this place as responsible young people, ready to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

Furthermore, my ministry has an exit plan for them once they are empowered with these skills. When they complete their training, they will be awarded with certificates and we will not abandon them. We will provide them with start-up tools and materials needed for them to excel in the businesses that will help them put their skills into practice

The government of President Edgar Lungu has a lot of confidence in

ZNS hence identifying the institution as a reliable partner in the programme of ending streetism and changing the mindset of street children.

God bless the children,

God bless the youth, God bless Zambia.

EMMANUEL MULENGA, Minister of Sports, Youth and Child Development.