A total of 555 youths have been selected for sponsorship under the 2026 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Skills Development program in Mansa District.

Mansa Municipal Council Public Relations Officer, Joel Kashi, revealed that the beneficiaries will acquire market-relevant, practical skills at various TEVET institutions across the country.

Mr Kashi stated that out of the total beneficiaries, Bahati Constituency has 295 students approved for sponsorship at the cost of K 6,223,918.00, while Mansa Central Constituency has contributed 260 students to be sponsored at the total cost of K5,459,878.00.

He said the development follows formal approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, in line with the CDF Act No. 1 of 2024, specifically Section 12(a) and Section 25(2), providing for the financing of skills development and empowerment of youths through the CDF.

Mr Kashi described the CDF Skills Bursary Programme as a critical pillar in empowering young people with hands-on skills, enhancing employability, promoting self-employment to stimulate local economic development.

” Government is equipping youths to actively participate in national development, reduce unemployment and contribute meaningfully to household incomes and community growth,” Mr Kashi said.