“Brighter future for all”..
… Zambia celebrates international youth day with a focus on youth empowerment and inclusion
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia – (August 12, 2024) – Zambia today joined the rest of the world in commemorating the international youth with the Minister responsible of youths outlining successful stories recorded since the United Party for National Development (UPND) formed government three years ago.
Elvis Nkandu, the Minister of Youth, Sports, and Arts, telling journalists at a media briefing that since the United Party for National Development (UPND) assumed office three years ago, over 700 youth-led organizations have been registered and funded.
Nkandu cited initiatives such as the Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI) as examples of the successful support provided to youth-led organizations, attributing these results to strong stakeholder support and the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.
Nkandu highlighted advancements in Zambia’s youth and arts sectors, reflecting this year’s International Youth Day theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.”
He emphasized the government’s commitment to youth, stating, “Under the New Dawn Administration, we are committed to the social and economic progress of our youth, who constitute 26.7% of the population aged 19 to 34.”
He said the Ministry has prioritized youth empowerment, evident in the revision of the 2015 National Youth Policy.
“The updated 2024 National Youth Policy, which includes repealing the National Youth Development Council Act, aims to address current youth issues more effectively,” he said.
Nkandu noted that the revision process involved consultations with approximately 2,700 young people, including those with disabilities, to ensure the policy reflects a broad range of concerns.
He explained, “We engaged with approximately 2,700 youths to ensure the new policy addresses a wide spectrum of youth concerns and aspirations.”
Since 2022, the Ministry has organized National Youth Indabas, facilitating dialogue between youth, government officials, civil society, and the private sector. The 2024 event saw participation from over 3,000 youths.
Nkandu mentioned that a recent Careers Fair attracted about 2,000 youths, providing valuable interaction with academic and corporate institutions, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating career opportunities.
Nkandu also discussed ongoing efforts to decentralize National Youth Day celebrations, in line with a presidential directive.
He stated, “We are working on decentralizing National Youth Day events. Further details will be provided as plans develop.”
Several initiatives have been launched to enhance youth access to skills and opportunities, including upgrading Youth Resource Centers and providing startup kits for graduates.
Notable achievements include providing Rosa buses, fuel tankers, and motorbikes to youths in the transport sector.
Nkandu highlighted the GRZ-UN Joint Program on Youth, which focuses on internships and providing ICT resources to Youth Resource Centers, as a significant support mechanism for youth development.
In the arts sector, Nkamdu said the Ministry established a new Arts Department and introduced Zambia’s first National Arts Policy along with a revised National Film Policy in March 2024.
Nkandu described the National Arts Festival, which has been held annually since 2022, as a major cultural event, with the 2024 festival scheduled for August 28-31.
He also mentioned other key initiatives such as the Creative Industries Business Summit, the revamped Ngoma Awards, and the Africa Music, Arts, and Cultural Exhibition (AMACE), stating, “These events are vital in promoting Zambia’s rich cultural heritage and supporting the creative industry.”
The Ministry has extended social security coverage to artists and trained over 1,500 in various skills.
Nkandu pointed out the Youth Action Against Vandalism (YAAV) initiative, launched in November 2023, which involves artists in efforts to combat vandalism of ZESCO infrastructure, showcasing a proactive approach to protecting essential services.
Nkandu concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving the lives of Zambians through its youth, sports, and arts programs, asserting, “Our ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable development and creating opportunities for Zambia’s young people and creative sector.”