YOUTHS WANT ENHANCED AWARENESS ON FUNDS

youths in Kitwe have lamented the lack of information on how they can access the various Government youth empowerment programme.

Recently, Government launched the K470 million national youth empowerment programme, running parallel to the livestock empowerment, the K30 million meant for artistes and another K106 million available under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development.

Youths in separate interviews in Kitwe argued that no tangible results had been recorded in similar initiatives in the past and suggested that adequate information should be availed.

A youth, Godfrey Musonda, said many youths had no idea on how to generate innovative business ideas, write proposals or how to access the empowerment initiatives available to them.

Mr Musonda argued that there was lack of sensitisation which he said was supposed to be paramount to the success of the initiatives especially that past youth empowerment schemes such as the higher busses transport project and colossal sums of money, failed to yield intended results.

"Government should have done home work on the ground before launching the K470 million national youth empowerment program. We feel it may also fail like the past schemes and loans which beneficiaries never paid back," he said.

Another youth, Michael Kabwe, advised those who benefitted from the empowerment programmes to put the resources to good use, pay back on time.

Mr Kabwe said it was disappointing to note that some people were being selfish by not paying back the money for others to benefit in the near future.

Ms Jenifer Mwape echoed the sentiments and appealed to Government to create a reachable desk to explain empowerment schemes in the country, especially in the rural areas.

Another youth, Joseph Phiri, said lack of information was a hindrance to development and urged Government to enhance awareness on empowerment programmes.