Govt envisages creating 20, 000 skills development opportunities for youths by 2026

Speaking on Friday when he delivered State of the Nation Address (SONA) to mark the first meeting of the 50th Session of the Parliament of Malawi and the 2023-2024 National Budget, Chakwera said this will be achieved through the National Youth Service Programme.

He disclosed that 114 young people have already graduated from the programme.

protected by reCAPTCHA

“In July 2022, we launched the National Youth Service Program to impart skills and knowledge to industry needs. It started with 114 young people who have since graduated from the pilot program, but between this coming fiscal year and 2026, the program will have created skills development opportunities for 20, 000 youths,” said Chakwera.

The President also informed the nation that his government has started construction work on the long-awaited Mzuzu Youth Centre, which an elephant project despite enjoying budgetary allocation year in year out for the past 10 years.

“You may recall that this project has been allocated funds in budget after budget since the time of the first DPP Administration, yet there was nothing on the ground. That dark era has ended now, and Mzuzu Youth Centre is on the way,” said the President.

Mzuzu Youth Caucus Chairperson Gomezgani Nkhoma has expressed excitement with the interventions the current administration is initiating to improve lives of the youth in Mzuzu.

However, Nkhoma pleaded with the Tonse Alliance government to ensure the project is completed within its timeframe.