ESTHER MSETEKA, Lusaka
BARCLAYS Bank Zambia has spent K25 million since 2012 to train 220,000 youths in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Barclays head of marketing and corporate relations Mato Shimabale said to increase financial literacy, the bank will continue empowering the public with skills they need to achieve economic independence and security.
Mr Shimabale said the training has been made possible with the help of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, Care International, Plan International, and Junior Achievement programme.
“We have spent K25 million in just three years working with 220,000 youths across the country. We are also working with women groups in Chibombo where they have gotten together to form cooperatives. Through these groups, they are able to lend money to each other and we provide them with the guidance,” Mr Shimabale said in an interview on Friday.
Mr Shimabale is optimistic that the partnership will yield the desired results, contribute to national development and have a lasting impact in the communities.
He also said Barclays has engaged 30 youths in the cultivation of vegetables to enable them have a better future socially and economically in Eastern Province.
“These youths have been equipped with life skills, knowledge to enable them acquire basic capital,” Mr Shimabale said.