The Mansa District Constituency Development Fund monitoring committee has expressed concern on the high rate of youths awarded skills development bursaries but do not report to the various schools for lessons.
This came to light during a monitoring exercise done at Nirvana Operators and Safety Academy in Mufulira where the Mansa Central CDFC approved 176 youths to attend driving and operator lessons in 2024 at Nirvana Driving School but only 49 youths had reported to the school.
While 128 youths were approved under the Bahati CDF in 2024 and only 54 had reported to school at the time of the visit.
The Mansa Central CDFC Chairperson Mr. Masesa said the committee is committed to ensuring that youths in the constituency access skills development in order to better their lives.
However, Mr. Masesa urged parents and members of the community to encourage youths to apply for bursaries and attend school once approved.
“The CDF committee already set aside money to sponsor youths for skills development so them not reporting to school results in holding back of monies which should not be case because the CDF money is meant to empower communities”, he added.
Mr. Mukonko Chanshi Bahati CDFC Chairperson said, engagements will be done with communities especially parents to encourage the underprivileged youths to take advantage the opportunities that CDF presents the residents of Mansa.
And the Nirvana Operators and Safety Academy Managing Director, David Chalwe said the institution will follow up all the youths approved to attend school at Nirvana in order to ensure that they report, acquire a skill and graduate successfully.
