MINISTER of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu has reaffirmed government’s commitment to creating and promoting empowerment opportunities through a multisectoral approach.

Mr Nkandu notes that the government is committed to promoting programmes and investments in technical and vocational training that encourage self-employment among the youth.

He further added that the government is emphasising skills training in order to increase youth participation in economic development.

ZANIS reports that the Minister said this today in a speech read on his behalf by Eastern Province Minister Peter Phiri during the Lusaka Youth Resource Centre 20th Graduation Ceremony, in Lusaka held under the theme: Empowering Youth with Skills for Self- Sustainability and Wealth Creation.

Mr Nkandu pointed out that out of the total 904 students that have graduated, 143 of them were under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) sponsorship, adding that CDF has played a crucial role in providing funding for training programmes.

“336 were sponsored under the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Fund,” he added.

He thanked the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and Mother Theresa for sponsoring some students.

He further appreciated self-sponsored students for their determination and resilience.

And Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata in a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Permanent Secretary for Lusaka Province Alex Mapushi, said the government attaches great importance to youth development because skills are essential.

Meanwhile, Chairperson for Lusaka Youth Resource Centre Advisory Committee Tecla Nwenya said 585 women and 319 men.

Mr Nwenya, among them visually impaired persons, have graduated today in various fields that include Food Production, General Hospitality, Electrical Technology, Fashion Design and Technology as well as Metal Fabrication.