Melo News | Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | Lusaka
The government has earmarked a substantial sum of 44,976,462 Kwacha and 40 Ngwee to support 5,441 young individuals in Lusaka District who are engaged in various skill development programs under the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) skills bursary initiative.
This funding, which is being administered by the Lusaka City Council, ensures that youth from all seven constituencies within the district can access these resources, reflecting the government’s dedication to investing in the future of young people through educational opportunities at all levels.
Kabwata Constituency leads in the number of beneficiaries, with 1,112 participants, followed by Chawama with 815, and Matero with 788. Lusaka Central has 774 beneficiaries, while Mandevu has 737.
The constituencies of Munali and Kanyama have the fewest participants, with 688 and 547 respectively. The local authority has linked the distribution of beneficiaries to factors such as community awareness, constituency needs assessments, and demand for skills training. Before the students were dispatched, a thorough verification process was conducted to ensure that the right individuals received the bursaries, allowing them to enroll in TEVET-accredited institutions for trade training.
The impact of the CDF bursary skills program has been notably positive, with many graduates acquiring essential skills that boost their self-sufficiency and employability, while others continue their studies.
The courses being pursued by these young beneficiaries encompass a range of trades, including carpentry, tailoring and fashion design, plumbing, culinary arts, mechanics, electrical work, and driving, among others.
The Council encourages these youth to seize this opportunity, make the most of it, and transform their lives for the better, while also expressing deep appreciation to the government for its support.