PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Kangwa Chileshe says the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of the youth in the country.
Mr Kangwa said Town Hall meetings provide an opportunity to bridge the communication gap between government, youths and stakeholders while addressing challenges and opportunities facing the young people.
He noted that Town Hall meetings aim to equip the youth with the knowledge to transform their lives and that of their communities, in order to contribute to national development.
He pointed out that the National Youth Development Council (NYDC) under his ministry is mandated to ensure that programmes aimed at entrepreneurship, skills development and empowerment are effectively delivered to the youth.
He was speaking in Matero Townships’ Muchinga Ward 28, when he graced a Youth Town hall meeting organised by the NYDC on Saturday.
He commended the NYDC for their continued efforts in championing youth development, adding that the meeting underscores governments’ critical role in disseminating information on government programmes and policies while implementing initiatives that empower the youth.
He also cautioned the youths against being taken advantage of by politicians or people that do not mean well for them.
He however, bemoaned the slow uptake of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and encouraged the gathering to ensure that they know members of the Ward Development Committee in their area.
And speaking at the same event, Ward Development Committee (WDC) Chairperson for Muchinga Ward 28, Kenneth Fulawa encouraged the youth in his ward to come through to his office and have a share of the CDF, intended for youth skills development and empowerment.
Mr Fulawa urged the youths to engage with the WDC offices and the Local Authorities for the correct information regarding the access of the CDF.
Also available to support the event were representatives from the Lusaka City Council, the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC).