The Asunafo North National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) which took off three years ago has taken steps to facilitate regular payment of allowances to the beneficiaries.

To this end, the  Ministry responsible for the NYEP and the Agricultural Development Banks in the area have signed a memorandum of understanding.

According to the District Co-ordinator, Abdallah Ibn Chambas, the programme has helped in poverty reduction, which has consequently reduced bad social vices including robbery and prostitution.

He noted that the District NYEP is currently operating six modules. These include Community Education Teaching Assistants, Health Extension Workers, waste and sanitation management and internship and vacation jobs.

According to him, 114 youth have been engaged in the the Community Education Teaching and explained that about 90 per cent of them were teaching at the primary and kindergarten levels.

Mr. Abdallah Ibn Chambas noted that the Waste and Sanitation Management module is being managed by Zoomlion, a private company. Sixty people are currently engaged under this module. They include 25 tricycle operators who convey the waste to the evacuation centre, 25 female sweepers and 10 sanitation guards who monitor sanitation in the district.

Additionally, 16 youth in the district are on internship at various Institutions and Departments. These include Akrodie Community Library, Goaso Community Library, Mim Community Library and Social Welfare.

According to him the programme faces a number of challenges. These include lack of funds to run the office, poor co-operation  of some members of autonomous institutions like the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service.

The programme has been able to help farmers acquire farm inputs at subsidised prices.

He suggested that those employed under the programme, particularly the teaching assistants should undergo in-service training to enhance their future career.

Ghanadistricts.com
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