Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Bright Msaka, SC, has commended Standard Bank for its Project Youth initiative, which seeks to empower young people by providing opportunities for skills development, innovation and leadership.

Msaka made the remarks on Monday during the launch of Project Youth in Blantyre.

He emphasized the importance of investing in Malawi’s young people through education and skills development, while stressing the need for collaboration among government, the private sector and civil society to create opportunities for the youth.

“The Government appreciates the contribution of the private sector and development partners towards enhancing educational resources and creating opportunities for young people,” he said.

Msaka said Malawi’s future depends on the active participation of its youth in shaping their own destinies and contributing to national development. He therefore encouraged young people to seize available opportunities and believe in their potential to create positive change.

Standard Bank Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Madinga, said Project Youth focuses on three main pathways: skills development and meaningful youth participation; collaboration and partnerships with organisations such as DAPP and Press Trust; and media advocacy to raise awareness of the project and its objectives.

Madinga said, with a significant proportion of Malawi’s population comprising young people, the project seeks to harness this demographic dividend to drive economic growth and ensure that youth are actively involved in policy formulation and national development initiatives.

During the launch, Standard Bank presented cheques worth more than K400 million to support various initiatives, including Hope for the Blind and the construction of twin classroom blocks at Chivumbe Community Day Secondary School.