M’membe Concerned Over Poor Education And Employment Opportunities

The President of the Socialist Party, Fred M’membe, has outlined his concerns on the high numbers of young Zambians who have experienced, poor education and subsequently struggle with poor employment opportunities. 

Highlighting the importance of youth within the country, M’membe stated “The active engagement of youth in sustainable development efforts is central to achieving a sustainable, inclusive and stable nation, and to averting the worst threats and challenges to sustainable development, including the impacts of climate change, unemployment, poverty, gender inequality, conflict, and migration”.

The importance of education and employment for youths in Zambia are highlighted in his statement. 

Within the country, a large portion of those who should currently be attending upper secondary school are currently out of education, with initial enrolment to upper secondary school also falling low. 

“Many of the poorest 12 to 14 year olds have never attended school, and many of the youth of the future are still unable to obtain an acceptable primary education”, M’membe said. 

Whilst education enrolment is low, unemployment rates are also high within the country, with 24 per cent of 15-24 years olds currently unemployed. Those who do find work often find it in informal settings, resulting in an unstable form of income. 

The Socialist Party call for “a diverse and robust employment strategy” with “options and opportunities for all our young people” to ensure that marginalised individuals are accounted for too, such as women and youth with disabilities. 

The last 6 years which President Lungu has been in power has seen an increase in the unemployment rate within the country, a statistic which needs to be reversed if the country is to see a developmental change.