ChildFund Zambia calls for laws, policies that prioritize needs of youths

ChildFund Zambia has called on government to implement laws and policies that prioritize the needs of youths and create enabling environments for them to thrive.

ChildFund Zambia Technical Manager for Youth, Livelihood and Gifts-In-Kind, Nicholas Mushimba, said it was important for education programmes to be reimagined to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of the youth to tap into their energies for good.

Mushimba said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday to mark the International Youth Day of Service, observed annually on August 12, under the theme, “Green skills for youth: Towards a sustainable World”.

“This day is a powerful testament to the potential, energy, and compassion that young people around the world possess, and their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on our society. On this day,” he said.

Mushimba said Childfund also recognized the immense contributions of the young people to society and to acknowledge the importance of nurturing their aspirations, dreams and ambitions.

“As ChildFund we recognize that youths have the power to take public matters into their hands and use their collective power to be the change they want. They are able to do this because they are in the majority,” he said.

Mushimba said Africa itself was the youngest continent with 70 percent of people in Sub-Saharan Africa under 30.

“Statistics also show that 20 per cent of the world’s youth reside in Africa, with the number projected to double by 2030. This presents great opportunities to boost Africa’s growth but only if the youth are supported to realize their full potential,” he said.

Mushimba said in Zambia, the youth equally make up more than one third of the country’s population.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.