By Burnett Munthali
In a significant development, Moses Kunkuyu, the Minister of Youth and Sports, announced that 95 youths from Malawi are expected to embark on employment opportunities in Israel next month. This announcement was made during a recent interview on Times Radio’s “Kulinji” program, where Kunkuyu outlined the progress of the initiative.
Kunkuyu explained that the youths will gradually travel to Israel, depending on the availability of agricultural fields where they will be employed. The program aims to provide Malawian youth with access to work experiences abroad, enhancing their skills and financial stability.
However, the announcement has been met with some dissatisfaction among the youth, particularly from Yotam Ng’ambi, the chairperson of the youth group interested in the opportunity. Ng’ambi expressed concerns regarding the government’s management of the program, stating that there has been a lack of clear communication and adequate information about the initiative.
Joyce Chitsulo, a member of the parliamentary committee on youth affairs, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for the government to operate transparently. She noted that many individuals are seeking reliable information about the program, which is essential for its success.
Austin Chipeta, a Malawian youth currently working in Israel, also weighed in on the situation. He suggested that utilizing agents in the process of facilitating employment for Malawian youths in Israel could be beneficial, as these agents often have established partnerships with local agricultural organizations.
Despite the enthusiasm surrounding this opportunity, Chipeta stressed the importance of government oversight to ensure the safety and protection of Malawian youths working abroad. He called for the government to establish measures that safeguard the rights and well-being of those participating in the program.
As preparations continue for the departure of the 95 youths, stakeholders are hopeful that the initiative will lead to fruitful employment opportunities, providing the participants with valuable experiences while contributing positively to Malawi’s economy. The government’s responsiveness to the concerns raised by youth representatives will be crucial in ensuring the success of this initiative and future opportunities for young Malawians.
