10 000 benefit in ILO projects

Diana Nherera Herald Reporter
More than 10 000 youths from nine provinces have benefited from the International Labour Organisation’s income generating projects. Of the 10 000 youths, 2 385 are master craftspersons, with 7 644 more on the programme coming from urban and rural settings.

Speaking during a tour of the Danish funded ILO skills for youth and development programme at the Glen View furniture manufacturing complex last Thursday, ILO country office director, Ms Hopolang Phororo said plans were underway to create more income generating projects for youths in Masvingo, Chivi and Gutu as part of its efforts to create employment for youths.

The organisation is funded by the Danish government.

“Of the nine provinces that we have helped youths in income generating projects, Masvingo, Chivi and Gutu had been left behind and plans are underway to empower youths in those areas,” said Ms Phororo.

“The skills for youth employment and rural development programme aim to improve the quality of traditional apprenticeships in the informal economy in the urban areas and market driven community-based technical and vocational skills development in rural areas to equip youths with skills to improve their employability.”

Ms Phororo said they aimed to provide youths with employment skills and enable them embark on income generating projects. She said they offer post-training support which includes access to micro-finance.

Ms Phororo said 700 Government officials and partners had been trained on the programme’s methodologies at national, provincial and district levels.

Speaking during the tour, Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment deputy Minister Retired Major Mathias Tongofa commended the Danish government and ILO for a sterling job in reducing unemployment.

He urged them to increase their support for youths around the country through more empowerment projects.

“My Ministry commends the Danish government and ILO for complementing Government efforts of supporting youths in their empowerment projects,” said Rtd Maj Tongofa.