Zambia’s Youth status worries UPND’s Francis Kabuseni
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UPND in Kitwe
By Francis KABUSENI
United Party for National Development (Upnd Copperbeltfleighthh Kitwe District Youth Information and Publicity Secretary
Tuesday 13th March, 2018
ON Monday, 12th March 2018, youths were commemorating the youth day. However, there was nothing to celebrate and the annual marching and speeches by some political leaders have yielded nothing.
Majority of youths are still languishing in abject poverty due to high unemployment and generally the failing economy among many. Looking at statistics unemployment is highest among youths.
Street vendors who were recently chased from the streets, miners who were retrenched by the mines and many others who have lost their businesses and jobs majority are young Zambians.
Bus drivers, taxi drivers, conductors and call boys are worried, currently they are not working with peaceful minds because their future is uncertain for they are now hearing so many proposals to phase out this and that, to be chased away.
Other youths wanted to venture in agriculture, spent money on e-Voucher system unfortunately that has not worked well, the PF turned it into ‘vulture’ system, stealing from poor farmers.
Few lucky youths who are working (formal) and those trading at Chisokone and in other markets are heavily taxed, at the
end of the day they remain with no money in their pockets.
Youths are facing a lot of hardships, they have nothing to do, no wonder they are just drinking and being used as tools of violence.
We saw what happened in Chipata, PF youths wanted to attack UPND youths because the PF youths thought youths
from the UPND would get their food and alcohol if the UPND participated in youth day commemoration.
In most areas some youths go door to door looking for funerals so that they have something to eat.
That is a clear indication that poverty levels have reached alarming levels.
The PF led government seems content with the current status of young Zambians thus every year promising new jobs when they have failed to fulfill their past promises of the same.
Leadership needs to be honest about the current status and do more than just talking and also ensure that they provide
initiatives that give young people support and an opportunity to succeed.
The government should drive economic growth to stimulate job creation while at the same time channeling revenues into education and training initiatives that empower young Zambians.
We also need youth mentorship schemes and an
education system that inculcates a ‘can do’ attitude in youths, and prepares them for employment, business and success during their school years.
If that is properly managed the benefits will be significant
and long lasting.
The UPND remains a strong supporter of free access to education from primary to university for every young Zambian.
This should be funded by cutting wasteful government expenditure.
Zambia should be investing in the future, the youths. For Zambia to have an effective, efficient and strong economy the
young Zambian should be trained, mentored, empowered and be part of skilled labour as an important
component of economy. Zambia Forward!
