By SAM PHIRI, MOFFAT CHAZINGWA, DAVID KANDUZA, JULIUS PHIRI, KELVIN MUDENDA and MUNAMBEZA MUWANEI –
Government will ensure youths are adequately prepared to become the driving force for Zambia’s economic freedom, President Lungu has said.
He has since launched the 2015 youth policy and the first-ever Action Plan to signify Government’s renewed commitment towards uplifting the living standards of the youth.
Mr Lungu said this in Lusaka yesterday during commemoration of the Youth Day under the theme ‘Youth: Champions of dialogue, peace, unity and economic emancipation’.
He said, in a speech read for him by Vice-President Inonge Wina, that the action plan for youth empowerment and employment creation needed a more coherent approach.
The President said there was need for the public and private sectors to mainstream the youth in all developmental activities.
“I urge all State and non-State actors to enhance their efforts towards mainstreaming youth in all their work, plans budgets, programmes, activities and projects as it is only through the same that we shall be creating optimal opportunities for the youth,” he said.
The Head of State called on the youth to be true champions of peace and co–existence before, during and after the August 11 general elections.
“I urge you our youths to reject violence and political leaders promoting the vice as they are capable of setting the country on fire,” he said.
At the same function, Youth, Sport and Child Development Minister Vincent Mwale said the theme resonated well with the youths who were expected to rise above tribal, religious and political differences and contribute to the peaceful political dispensation in Zambia.
Speaking on behalf of the youth, University of Zambia student Mahongo Kabanda thanked the President for the ambitious tone set for the aspirations of youths over the next five years.
Ms Kabanda said despite Government allocating K150 million towards youth empowerment, more resources were required to implement the plan so as to benefit young people who were mostly not employed.
Earlier, the Vice-President led diplomats and deputy service chiefs in laying wreaths at the Freedom Statue.