Local Govt Deputy Minister hails Iceland for youth empowerment

Youths have a potential to transform the economic narratives of their area once they are meaningfully empowered.

Deputy Minister of Local Government, Halima Daud, said this in Mangochi, on Thursday during her visit to the district, where she monitored Malembo Youth Empowerment Group’s economic activities.

She said it was pleasing to note that youths are engaged in various activities, that keep them busy and prevent them from indulging in immoral behaviour and at the same time, earn money for taking care of their families.

“I am more excited because even women and girls are involved in the male dominated fields of fishing, fish processing and even construction,” she said.

Daud applauded the Government’s partnership with the Embassy of Iceland, saying that it is yielding fruits in youth, women and education empowerment among others.

She explained that the Iceland has supported the establishment of Youth Economic Empowerment data bank, targeting 50 youth groups across the district in both farm and off farm economic activities.

The Deputy Minister said the Embassy has also supported the formation of five youth cooperatives in various value chain enterprises which include fish processing as well as rice, goat and Chili production.

“This has helped in the promotion of the access to the market through the Ministry of Trade. The Department of Youth has also supported four youth cooperatives to apply for the agriculture commercialization project matching grant of $30 000 (about MK32Million) per group.

“I am pleased to report that over 60 young people from Senior Chiefs Makanjira and Lulanga were trained in various technical and vocational skills of their choice and they have set up their businesses,” she said.

Speaking during the same function, Iceland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Thordis Kolbrum Reykfjord Gylfadotrir commended the government of Malawi for showing interest to work with them in transforming the lives of Malawians.

The Minister said her Government has more interest in the partnership hence the extension of their activities which focus on education, health, Gender, Trade, water and sanitation to Nkhotakota District.