Lungu urged to redefine ‘youths’ empowerment

President Edgar Lungu has been urged to remodel the youths empowerment programs to include those above 35 years old, as they also need government assistance.

Renowned political analyst, Elder Mabhunu says even those above 35 years, still need to be empowered claiming they constitute the majority of those attending Lungu’s youths empowerment programs and project launches.

He adds that the term ‘youth,’ needs to be redefined in as far as ‘youths empowerment is concerned.

Apparently, prominent artist, Brian Bwembya, concurs and urges Lungu to be inclusive and broaden his definition of the term youth.

“Artists who are way above the age of 35 have been attending meetings and launches of ‘YOUTH Empowerment Schemes’ because they also want to be empowered.

“Just call it ‘Citizen Empowerment Scheme’. When did words like “youth” and ‘artists’ become so popular in this country?” He said.

According to the statutes, a youth could be defined as those between the age of 18 and 35, but it has been noted that even people above 35, still need to be taken into the program.

Meanwhile, the calls follows Lungu’s recent launch of a 470 million kwacha Multi sectoral youth empowerment programme.

Speaking during the launch in Ndola, President Lungu assured young entrepreneurs of the government’s support.