GOVERNMENT has introduced a voluntary National Service Programme aimed at instilling resilience and discipline among young people in the country.
The newly introduced programme was announced this morning at State House by President Hakainde Hichilema when he was addressing 40 women groups under the Gender Machinery Framework who called on him.
President Hichilema stated that the programme will also address challenges such as the proliferation of street children and early pregnancies.
The Head of State said the project is yet to be rolled out across the country with the much needed resources.
President Hichilema further said the voluntary programme will also be an avenue to take interested youths into military training with the country’s security and Defence wings such as Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force (ZAF) and others.
“Some of the things you see today, such as the proliferation of street kids to me partially is the consequence of having left kids who were [of] school going age wandering at home, idol. Talking of early pregnancies, marriages, some of these are the consequences of keeping kids off school when they are supposed to be in school.”
“Let us reflect on this. Personally when you look at the kids today, I have decided to personally send my children to the military so they can learn some life survival skills. When we instruct them into business. Those disciplines are very helpful,” said President Hichilema.
And on gender issues, President Hichilema assured the groups of government’s support towards addressing gender related issues across the country.
Speaking at the same meeting, UN Resident Coordinator Beatrice Muthali hailed government for the progress it has made in enhancing women’s inclusion and representation in governance activities.
Muthali assured the President of the UN’s commitment to working with the Zambian government.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 14, 2024
