Youths in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province have been urged to form clubs and cooperatives to access various youth empowerment programmes offered by the government.

ZANIS reports that speaking during his tour of wards in Nakonde Constituency, United Party for National Development (UPND) Constituency Youth Chairman Gilbert Simutenda urged youths to unite and form clubs to benefit from the many empowerment programmes.

Mr Simutenda said the government has initiated several programmes, including grants and skills bursaries under the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), aimed at empowering youths nationwide.

“There are grants under the CDF, introduced by President Hakainde Hichilema, skills bursaries, and many opportunities for youths,” Mr Simutenda said.

He added that youths should be at the forefront of championing the government’s developmental agenda, ensuring their voices are heard.

And Siame Chola, a youth from Mwanga Ward, attributed the lack of information on forming cooperatives as the reason for not benefiting from government youth empowerment programmes.

Mr Chola said that with the information provided by the Youth Chairman, he would take it upon himself to ensure a youth cooperative is formed in the ward.

“We are thankful for the information. We will try to form a cooperative to access CDF grants,” Mr Chola said.

He added that as a new ward, the young people needed guidance on getting involved in district development programmes.

Meanwhile, Ntolondo Village Headman Justin Simwanza praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership and urged him to continue providing opportunities for all.

“All we can say to the father of the nation is to continue providing those opportunities to us, your children,” the Village Headman said.