30 Nov 2016

Boikago ward youth in Palapye have been advised to utilise government schemes to earn a living and graduate from poverty.

Addressing the residents during a Kgotla meeting, chairperson of Boikago Village Development Committee, Mr Moiteela Boiditswe urged the youth to take up schemes such as Youth Development Fund and Tirelo Sechaba which he said were tailor made for them and leave Ipelegeng programme for the elderly.

He said even though Ipelegeng was a good programme in terms of employment creation, he urged the youth to start their own businesses using other avenues of government funded youth programmes.

A large number of youths had turned up to try their luck in securing employment in the 92 availed vacancies for de-bushing, litter picking and yard inspectorate.

“Our youth love Ipelegeng, but this is not suitable for them. They should leave us elders here and go for YDF and do proper businesses that could add more value to their lives,” said Mr Boiditswe.

For her part, 31 year old Kelebogile Moipolai said she went for training in Livestock Production in 2010 and was later taught leather processing but six years later she was still yet to be funded.

Nineteen year old Goitsemodimo Selelo stated that she wanted to join Ipelegeng because of lack of job opportunities and acknowledged that she has never tried other government programmes as she lacked information.

Acknowledging the sad reality on the ground, VDC Secretary Ms. Madipa Lekgoa said that they always try to inform the youths about government programmes but they barely turn up for meetings.

“They only turn up when we are hiring. When we call them for meetings, they don’t come,” she complained. She appealed to the government to intensify funding youth ventures and avoid delays which end up demoralizing many youths. ENDS