Modular apprentices not in employment, education or training graduate in Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam. On 02 November 2022, the International Labour Organization (ILO) in collaboration with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar celebrated Zanzibar’s NEET (youth not in employment, education or training) modular apprenticeship programme certificate award ceremony.

The event was graced by guest of honour Hon. Mudrik Soraga; Minister of State, President Office; Labour, Economic Affairs and Investment who thanked the ILO and the Government of Norway for supporting the programme which is in its second phase. 

Mr, Soraga congratulated the 90  graduates and urged them to utilise the skills and qualifications they have gained through the six-month programme to improve their lives and be a positive example for other young people in their communities. 

The graduates also received special equipment and tool kits to begin their new lives as professionals in their fields o; air conditioning and refrigeration, carpentry as well as tailoring. 

The programme is designed to give  the apprentices the skills to become formally employed or self-employed in order to help curb Zanzibar’s rising youth unemployment rate, which is currently 33 percent according to the Integrated Labour Force Survey 2020/21. 

Mr. Soraga assured the young graduates that the Government of Zanzibar is committed to helping the youth to access better self/employment opportunities: 

“We have heard your suggestions and requests for more financial support. Young people can now apply for various government financial support and loans to start your own businesses. I urge you to make good use of this service.” 

NEET programme graduate and youth representative,  Mlinde Machano, reflected on the many challenges facing Zanzibar’s youth and the opportunities for a better future that he and his peers now have thanks to the programme: 

“As we have demonstrated during the plays and stories we have shared today, many of us young people fall into drug abuse and end up living in poverty because we have no education of skills. This programme has given many of us the chance to improve our lives…we would like to sincerely thank our government, the ILO and the Government of Norway for the NEET programme.”

ILO Programme and Operations Officer Mr, Adame Traore on behalf of ILO Country Director, Mr, Wellington Chibebe thanked the Government of Zanzibar for the successful conclusion of the programme’s second phase and shared ILO’s commitment to ensure the sustainability of the programmes’ impact:

“The ILO strongly encourages the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, through the President’s Office, Labour, Economic Affairs and Investment, Social Partners and other stakeholders to continue implementing skills development programmes beyond the end of the ILO project. ILO technical support remains available if there is a wish to replicate and/or expand the NEET programme.”