Govt moots cooperatives for youths

Government says it will establish cooperatives to support youths in different fields.

Labour and Social Security Minister, Joyce Simukoko says cooperatives play a crucial role in economic development, job creation and in effectively promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking when she officiated at the National Project for Poverty Reduction (NPPR) graduation ceremony in Lusaka today, Mrs. Simukoko has since urged the youths not to work in isolation as government initiatives will not be achieved in isolation.

She says there is also need for the youths to change their mindset and come up with initiatives that will help them become entrepreneurs than wait for white collar jobs.

Mrs. Simukoko has encouraged the youth that they too can make it in life if only they work together as it be easy for government and other stakeholders to help them prosper in their businesses.

Ninety three (93) youths graduated after undergoing a six-months training in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), Tailoring and Catering.

Speaking at the same event, NPPR Executive Director Anthony Kasandwe says the Patriotic Front is committed to empowering youths with various life training skills.

Mr. Kasandwe says the project was created to help reduce poverty and unemployment levels among youths through skills training programmes.

The National Project for Poverty Reduction (NPPR) was created in 2012 by the PF to provide various training and empowerment skills to youths.