By Paul Shalala
The first cohort of the Voluntary National Service Training Programme has graduated at the Zambia National Service (ZNS) Wilford Funjika Training School in Kabwe.
Over one thousand trainees who spent nine months at three ZNS Training Schools in Kitwe, Kasama and Katete today graduated at a ceremony officiated by Minister of Defence Hon Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma MP.
Intake one of 2025 saw female students being trained at ZNS Chishimba Training School in Kasama while the male students were trained at ZNS Kitwe Training School and ZNS Chiwoko Training School in Katete.
And Minister of Defence Hon Ambrose Lwiji Lufuma MP has announced that willing graduads will be given one year apprenticeships at various institutions with the help of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Mr. Lufuma said the Ministry of Labour and Social Services has partnered with ILO to provide the apprenticeship programme.
"This graduation is a defining moment in our history. Thanks to President Hakainde Hichilema for his admirable wisdom in revising this life changing programme which has given youths an opportunity to gain skills," said Mr Lufuma.
The Minister of Defence said the Voluntary National Service Training Programme has shown how effective collaboration from line Ministries is.
He thanked the Ministry of Technology and Science through TEVETA for accreditating graduands in their various courses which they studied while undergoing training.
Mr. Lufuma also thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
"Going forward, we will need more training schools, more space to accommodate more and youths so that we meet the demand," said Mr Lufuma.
And Zambia National Service Commander Lt Gen Eng Maliti Solochi II said the graduands studied food production, auto mechanics, masonry, metal fabrication, shoe making, general agriculture, plumbing and sheet metal and other courses.
Lt Gen Solochi said ZNS also fused in military discipline, national values and entrepreneurship to prepare the youths with life skills that will help them survive on their own.
He said ZNS is committed to national development because its mandate is to contribute to national developmebt through a multifaceted approach.
"Apply your skills, let your conduct show to everyone and let your success inspire you," said Lt Gen Solochi when he addressed the graduands.
Lt Gen Solochi said the Voluntary National Service Training is a life changing initiative and a game changer for the youths.
Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Hon Mufunelo Malama MP, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr Maambo Haamaundu and Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr Milner Mwanakampwe also attended the graduation ceremony.
And the Course Coordinator Brigadier General Mutandalike Choonga said the training for the over one thousand students was done in a well coordinated manner in all the three training schools.
Brig Gen Choonga, who is also ZNS Chief of Administration, said the three training schools ensured that the students learnt the same courses with the same standard and outputs.
The best graduating students from each course went away with various starter packs which included sewing machines and accessories., wheelbarrows, stoves and accessories, horsepipes and various other items.
The starter packs are meant for them to start up their business as they embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
Source: MoF
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