NYC to implement National Youth Fund

Adukrom (E/R), April 10, GNA- Thirty-four vocational and technical institutions have been selected nation-wide for a pilot programme for the operation of 50-billion cedis National Youth Fund.

The National Youth Council (NYC), the implementers of the Fund, have developed modalities for the operation of the fund, Mr Kwadwo-Baah Wiredu, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports announced on Saturday.

This was contained in a speech read for him by Mr Joe Mante, the National Youth Co-ordinator at an entrepreneur-training programme at Adukrom in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region.

The programme was organised by the Akuapem North District Youth Clubs Association, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), as part of this years Easter celebrations.

Mr Baah-Wiredu said the Adukrom Secondary Technical School has been selected as the Institute for the implementation of the pilot project in the Akuapem North District, one of the pilot districts.

He said Job Creation Centres of the participating institutes in the scheme are expected to proactively source for contracts form the District Assemblies and execute the contracts with the students of the institute or invite some of the skilled youth outside them to execute the contracts.

Mr Baah Wiredu said the Ministry of Education Youth and Sports has presented the last draft of the reviewed National Youth Policy to Cabinet for consideration.

Policy objectives in the reviewed policy have been expanded to cover information, communication and technology, peace building and security environmental protection and integrating youth work into functions of the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

Mr Baah-Wiredu said the Decree (NRCD 241), which established the NYC is being revised as it has been found to be obsolete.

On entrepreneurial skill, Mr Dunwell Eku, Head of Training of the EMPRETEC Foundation advised the youth to be guided by the need to provide solutions to society's problems and create jobs for themselves. He stressed the need in establishing businesses and leading simple lives, wealth creations and cautious spending and reducing business risks. Mr Richard Maglo, President of the Association said it had 850 members and is to forge unity peace and tranquillity among the youth of Akuapem, to educate and seek the development of its members.

It also aims at promoting programmes that would enhance the infrastructure development of the various Akuapem towns. The function was chaired by Mr Kwasi Akoto, an opinion leader who stood in for the Omanhene of Okere, Nana Otutu Kunu. Present, were Mr Bramford Adu, MP for Okere.