Minister of Tourism and Arts Dr. Charles Banda has emphasized the greater need to invest in youth art skills for Zambia’s prosperity in the tourism industry.
Speaking when representatives of the visiting Scotland – Zambia Exchange team led by British Council Country Director David Pardoe paid a courtesy call on him, the Minister said a lot of participation would prove their true potential, through talent identification in fields like arts.
Dr. Banda said once youth skills are fully developed, the country’s future was going to be in safe hands, as the talents would have been turned into careers and last for a long time.
And Mr. Pardoe said Scottish and Zambian youths face the same challenges and hence the need for enhanced collaborations between them adding that young people face challenges of wanting to acquire and improve their skills in fields like arts, film and culture.
Mr Pardoe said Zambian youths have a lot of potential in film, music and visual arts but need more support.
And National Arts Council Director Adrian Chipindi said the exchange program is a big window to tap into skills among the youths.
Mr Chipindi said the initiative also creates an opportunity for career development discussions so that the youth are involved at an early stage for them to consider choices in careers involving arts.
He said Zambian youths need support to build capacity to manage festivals and events which expertise seems to flourish in Scotland.