The Seychelles government has set up the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) to help youths who do not have a job to join an enterprise and expand their range of opportunities.
Speaking at the launch on Monday, Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) chairman Kevin Vidot said the project has three phases, the first being regional forums on the main island of Mahe and on the islands of Praslin and La Digue so as to help young people better understand the measures in place to improve their standard of living and fight unemployment.
Vidot added that the second activity will be workshops for those who want to be involved in producing fruits and vegetables, which are in great demand in the tourism industry, and also for those interested in learning about craft work using dried flowers.
The third aspect will concern the setting up of a cooperative for those interested in fishing.
For his part, the Youth Director General Emmanuel Toussaint declared that the government’s first installment in the YEI project will be $70 000.
He disclosed that a grant of $ 500 will be given to those who will be producing fruits and vegetables and growing other plants such as palm trees, and to young people doing other craft work using dried flowers.
Toussaint added that that the young entrepreneurs will have a mentor, and the organizers will help promote the businesses and sell the products through various outlets.
He continued that the YEI will complement the Youth Mentorship Programme which is partnered by the Youth Development Network of South Africa.
Source African Press Agency
