ZANZIBAR: MINISTER for Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Anna Atanath Paul, has urged graduates of entrepreneurship training programmes to effectively use the skills they have acquired to improve their livelihoods.
She made the call recently during a graduation ceremony for entrepreneurship students at Mkokotoni Vocational Training College in North Unguja.
Ms Anna said applying the skills will enable young people to engage in self-employment, reduce dependency and contribute to national economic growth.
“The government introduced these programmes to equip youth with practical skills that allow them to participate actively in economic and social activities,” she said.
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The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms Abeida Rashid Abdallah, urged graduates to practise their professions to avoid wasting their skills.
She also called on them to support efforts to combat violence, abuse and drug use.
Representing the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Mr Ali Haji Hamad said the training aimed to empower youth economically and promote self-reliance, pledging continued collaboration with the government.
The six-month training covered tailoring, catering and beauty services and was organised by the ministry with funding from UNFPA. A total of 33 students graduated.