STANDARD CHARTERED BANK SKILLS YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES

By Scoop Reporter

STANDARD Chartered Bank in partnership with Sightsavers and Challenges Zambia has announced a whooping K14 million future makers’ initiative dubbed, Ready for Inclusive Sustainable Employment and Entrepreneurship (RISE-E) Project.

The project is designed to improve employment prospects for young people with disabilities and support youth-led businesses.

With an investment of K14 million for a duration of three years, the program is aimed at reaching 270 young people, providing them with the tools and resources necessary to thrive in the job market and contribute to the country’s economic landscape.

Ministry of Youth Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Chileshe Kangwa says such an initiative speaks directly to the 8th and 12th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) which seek to promote economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, as well as reduced inequalities among citizens.

Mr. Kangwa says the Government is aware that achieving such a goal requires the joint efforts of all stakeholders as the task that lies ahead is a mammoth.

And the bank CEO Sonny Zulu said the collaboration with Sightsavers and Challenges Zambia on such innovative and pioneering projects will have a positive impact on the lives of young people with and without disabilities. 

“Through Futuremakers, we will continue to develop a talent pool of skilled, employment-ready young people. Young people face challenges such as access to market information, poorly designed technical assistance, and lack of support. Young entrepreneurs with disabilities and women face additional hurdles that further impede their entrepreneurial aspirations,” Mr. Zulu said.

Meanwhile, Sightsavers Country Director at Glenda Mulenga says the new project will make a real difference to the employability of young people.

Ms. Mulenga says the project will target at least 270 young people with disabilities to help them gain employment in Zambia, of which 50 percent will be women.

She said 90 young entrepreneurs will also take part and that youth-led microbusinesses will be given expert business development advice.