30 August 2024
Government and it’s cooperating partners have invested K1 billion in infrastructure development and equipment purchase for skills training Institutes countrywide since 2021.
This includes the construction of the Mporokoso and Lundazi Training Institutes in Northern and Eastern Provinces respectively which have been completed and have equipment installed awaiting commissioning.
Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati says government is investing in infrastructure and equipment for skills training in order to give an opportunity to young people to have an education which can change their lives.
Mr. Mutati says in this year, 95,000 youths are being funded by the 20% skills component of the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) in various colleges countrywide.
He says government has made access to skills easy by providing both funding and an enabling environment for youths to learn with latest equipment.
Mr. Mutati said this during a send off dinner for 11 youths and 10 experts who will represent Zambia at the World Skills Competition to be hosted by France from 10 to 15 September 2024.
He said skills are essential for young people to have a lifeline in future
And Mr. Mutati has urged the Zambian team travelling to France to win in their various categories and make the country proud.
Mr. Mutati says government will offer incentives to the team if it wins at the competition to be held in the French city of Lyon.
“Competing at the World Skills Competition in France is like a preparation for the World Skills Africa Competition which Zambia will host in Livingstone in April 2025. Go there and compete against the best in the world and show them what Zambia can do,” said Mr. Mutati.
The 11 Zambian participants will compete in Information Network Cabling, Bricklaying, Carpentry, Mechanical Engineering, Concrete Construction Work, Digital Construction, Aircraft Maintenance, Welding, Hairdressing And Restaurant Service.
And Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Dr. Brilliant Habeenzu said government has decided to sponsor the competitors and experts because skills development is part of the mandate of the Ministry.
Dr. Habeenzu said the competitors must do their best in France as government has motivated them with all their financial needs.
Meanwhile, World Skills Zambia Project Manager Precious Lisulo said the 11 Zambian competitors were picked at the National Skills Competition which involved various colleges in July 2024.
Ms. Lisulo says the team came out the best during the competition and the secretariat for World Skills in Zambia is confident that they will shine in France.
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