Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu has praised the church for their role in nurturing youths to become responsible citizens.

Mr Mpundu said the church plays a significant role in moulding young people into well-meaning individuals ready to serve God and society.

The Permanent Secretary said this when he graced the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church, North Zambia Field Pathfinders Skills Training camp held in Kasama District.

He has since commended the SDA Church for aligning with the Government’s agenda of shaping youths to become agents of positive change.

Mr Mpundu further appealed to the church to be proactive in encouraging youths to access Constituency Development Fund, empowerment packages and skills training bursaries.

“Form cooperatives to access loans and grants for entrepreneurial ventures, Government has brought these empowerment schemes for everyone including you church members because you are part of different communities,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Seventh Day North Zambia Field president, Aphet Siame revealed that the training camp is meant to empower pathfinders to lead productive and impactful lives.

Pastor Siame advised youths to embrace both spiritual and practical skills that will equip them to be better citizens.

“The Pathfinders skills training camp draws inspiration from Proverbs 27:17 which says as iron sharpens iron, so one sharpens another. This is therefore equipping our young people with practical and spiritual skills,” Pastor Siame said.

And in a vote of thanks, Mwamba Lwansa pledged that Pathfinders will put the knowledge and skills learnt to good use.

The Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders skills training camp was held under the theme “Empowered to Serve” and drew over 1,700 participants from Northern and Muchinga Provinces.