By Jones Gadama
Malawi’s Minister of Sports and Youth, Uchizi Mkandawire, has reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through the National Youth Service programme.
Speaking during a press briefing at Boma Likutinji in Lilongwe, Mkandawire emphasized that the programme is strategically designed to economically empower the youth for improved employability in decent work and sustainable entrepreneurship.
The Minister highlighted that the National Youth Programme has already trained 3,600 youths in various skills, connecting them to business opportunities and job creation to ensure they are self-reliant.
This initiative aligns with the Malawi 2063 youth engagement strategy, launched by the Ministry of Youth and Sports to create an enabling environment for young people to develop their full potential and realize their creative and productive capacities towards sustainable personal and national development.
Mkandawire also underscored the government’s efforts in promoting sports activities in the country.
The construction of the Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting sporting activities.
Furthermore, the Ministry is rolling out the Malawi Youth Games Programme, targeting young people in various educational institutions to identify talents and nurture them.
The programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to achieve Malawi’s Vision 2063, which aims to transform the country into a wealthy and self-reliant nation.
By providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talents, the government hopes to unlock their potential and enable them to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
In addition to these initiatives, the government has provided access to loans through the National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to create jobs for youth in the country and promote their diverse talents and innovative ideas.
Mkandawire called on the private sector to engage the youth with internship programmes to equip them with various skills and knowledge, urging the country’s youth to take bold steps towards economic empowerment.
Mkandawire’s sentiments reflect the government’s renewed commitment to youth development, as evident in the launch of the National Youth Council of Malawi strategic plan and the Malawi 2063 youth engagement strategy.
These initiatives demonstrate the government’s determination to create opportunities for young people to develop their skills, talents, and innovative ideas, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
As part of its efforts to promote youth empowerment, the Ministry of Youth and Sports has emphasized the importance of creating an enabling environment for young people to realize their full potential.
The Ministry’s policy subscribes to the three Es of Empowerment, Employment, and Entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to youth development.
Mkandawire’s promise to work towards the development of all sports disciplines is a welcome move, given the historical bias towards football and netball.
His commitment to promoting sports activities in the country is expected to have a positive impact on the youth, providing them with opportunities to develop their talents and skills.
The government’s initiatives to empower the youth through the National Youth Service programme, sports infrastructure development, and access to loans are steps in the right direction.
By providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talents, the government can unlock their potential and enable them to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development.
As Malawi strives to achieve its Vision 2063, the role of the youth in shaping the country’s future cannot be overstated.
