Government has disbursed start-up packages worth over K38 million to 111 youths in Neno District to help them establish their businesses after completing a 3-month training in piggery, crops and poultry production under the National Youth Service (NYS) programme.
The packages include 40 piglets, 200 bags of maize bran, 400 black Austropes chicks, 200 Hylines chicks, 80 bags of chicken feed and seeds for Irish potatoes and maize.
District Commisioner for Neno, Rosemary Nawasha, said the initiative aligns with Malawi 2063 and it reflects the government’s commitment to building sustainable livelihoods for young people.
“We believe these start-up packages will empower our youth to become productive and self-sufficient. We hope that their enterprises will not only thrive but also create jobs and contribute to national economic development,” Nawasha said.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Madalitso Namaona thanked the government for the start-up packages, saying they will go a long way in uplifting their livelihood.
Namaona therefore asked the government to continue with the program so that more youths benefit in the district.
Neno Youth Integrated Youth Development Centre Manager, who is also the District Youth Officer, Ian Sukali, said the objective of the programme is to empower the youth with relevant skills.
Sukali said will foster their contribution to personal, community and national development, and the youth are also expected to roll out community projects to support their communities.
The NYS, a flagship government initiative implemented by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, was officially launched in July 2022 by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera at the Neno Integrated Youth Development Centre.
By Salome Gangire, MANA
