National Foods empowers rural youth

NATIONAL Foods Limited has invested in a new egg layer production programme aimed at empowering youths in rural

Zimbabwe.

Through its stockfeeds division, the company has partnered the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe to launch the programme titled “A Life A Day (ALAD)”.

The programme, which has supported over 1 500 youths in various communities in Matabeleland North and South provinces, provides resources such as laying hens and skills training in poultry management, business development and entrepreneurship.

Participants will be able to establish their own egg layer projects, with excess supply sold to generate income.

National Foods group chief executive Mike Lashbrook said the programme was a key initiative for nurturing talent, promoting entrepreneurship.

“We believe we have a responsibility to invest in future generations by providing skills and opportunities for youths to reach their full potential,” Lashbrook said.

“The A Life A Day programme is one way we are working to build a pipeline of talent and support entrepreneurship, which will benefit communities and the broader economy.”

Sithabile Gandi Ndlovu, director for the ALAD programme at the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe, expressed gratitude to the partnership.

“We want to see youths taking charge of their own development through deliberate actions that will transform their lives and livelihoods,” she said.

“This partnership with National Foods will catalyse opportunities for self-employment, income generation and poverty reduction for many families.

“A Life A Day is an innovative model for corporate social investment that can create real change and opportunities in people’s lives.”