INITIATIVES TO HELP THE YOUTHS

 Paidamoyo Bore in VICTORIA FALLS 

OLD Mutual fully supports capacitating youths to enable them to venture into entrepreneurship.

This was said by Old Mutual group communications and brand manager, Melenie Gumbo, in Victoria Falls yesterday.

She was speaking during the fourth Pan African Forum for Youth in Technical and Vocational Training Education (TVET) anniversary.

“Entrepreneurship is the future of Africa, hence we have joined hands with StartUp Africa to support youth entrepreneurs.

“As Old Mutual, we have introduced project 825, which is committed to innovation and collaboration.

“The programme will also support entrepreneurs by offering an ecosystem of mentorship, business skills development and market linkages leveraging Old Mutual’s networks and influence,” she said.

The Gambia’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Administration in the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Madi O Jatta, has urged tertiary education to facilitate work-based learning systems.

Jatta said this will allow students to interact with various employers, and other relevant partners, before completing their studies.

Jatta said work-based learning will prepare students to navigate and make informed choices.

“Work-based learning is important as it provides linkages between the curricula delivered at schools and the needs of the employer.

“As soon as they leave school, students will be ready to innovate and avoid waiting for someone to employ them.

“Therefore, I urge African countries to emphasise work-based learning in every institution,” said Jatta.

He also encouraged different sectors to come on board and support the youths.

Association of Technical Universities Polytechnics in Africa secretary-general, Jahou Faal, thanked the Government for the support it provides to the programme.

She said the conference has come at the right time, as the continent is recovering from effects of Covid-19.

“I urge you to adopt the ideas you are going to discuss and come up with solutions to our continent,” said Faal.