MWANZA: A TOTAL of 336 youths from Ilemela and Nyamagana districts in Mwanza Region have been urged to form groups in order to benefit from the 10 per cent loans provided by all local government councils across the country.
Ilemela District Commissioner, Mr Amiri Mkalipa, made the plea recently while closing vocational and entrepreneurship training held at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) Mwanza campus.
Mr Mkalipa said forming groups would enable youths to access loans that would increase their capital and improve productivity in their economic activities.
“Every council should allocate four per cent of its loans to youths, four per cent to women and two per cent to people with disabilities. Most of you are youths, once you leave here, form groups and apply for the loans and we will provide them to you,” he said.
He explained that the loans range from 1m/- to 200m/- per group, with Ilemela Municipal Council disbursing up to 600m/- in the current phase.
He also advised the youths to consult ward development officers whenever they face challenges so they can receive professional advice and support.
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Mr Mkalipa commended Plan International for initiating the project, saying it has been a lifeline for many young people by equipping them with knowledge and skills to improve their economic well-being.
On his part, Project Coordinator from Plan International Mwanza Region, Mr Gadiel Kayanda, said a total of 336 youths graduated with life skills in carpentry, masonry, welding, entrepreneurship, plumbing and electrical installation.
He added that they were also provided with start-up kits to enable them to become self-employed or secure employment.
He said the beneficiaries came from 13 wards in Nyamagana and Ilemela, particularly from vulnerable families.
According to him, the VEMA (Youth Education, Parenting and Employment) project aims to provide inclusive education to youths, empower them economically, promote employment, strengthen child protection and combat gender-based violence.
An electrical installation graduate, Mr Kelvin Daniel, expressed gratitude to Plan International, VETA and the government for the successful implementation of the project, saying they are ready to make good use of the skills and equipment provided to improve their economic status.