Youths in Zimba district have welcomed the government’s re-introduction of Zambia National Service (ZNS) training programme for youths on a voluntary basis.
They are of the view that the action would help instil social- economic responsibility and conduct among youths unlike the prevailing trend at the moment.
In a message of solidarity to ZANIS, they stated that the return of the ZNS training programme will address youth unemployment thereby reducing teenage mal-practices.
Mary Chintu, an unemployed youth of Mawaya Compound, observed that as a result of discontinuing the programme during the past regimes, it has resulted in a number of social- economic challenges being faced by a number of youths in communities.
“In the KK days and UNIP administration, there was order and discipline among the youths. Bad vices such as teenage pregnancies, child marriages, high crime wave and street children and poverty among other vices in communities came upswing in MMD and PF regimes,” she remarked.
James Mweene, a youth of Mbwiko Ward on his part said the national service training will have a positive impact on the community, fostering a sense of responsibility and unity among the youths.
“The re-introduction of the ZNS training programme will help empower us vulnerable and unskilled youths with skills alongside providing us with alternative employment opportunities,” he said.
In separate interviews with ZANIS, the youths said the programme will help instill discipline, equip youths with survival skills and enable them to survive amidst challenges.
They said the programme is a valuable opportunity for them to gain practical skills and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.
They further said reintroduction of the programme is timely and responds to the current harsh economic challenges and high unemployment levels faced by the young people.
Recently, the Cabinet approved the re-introduction of national service training for youths to not only ensure a disciplined citizenry but a productive one, as well.
President Hichilema announced and indicated that the ZNS programme for school-leavers will initially start on a voluntary basis but will eventually be compulsory as the economy improves.
ZNS Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi revealed that the Service is ready and geared to implement what he termed as ‘essential, transformative programme’ for young men and women in the country.