An appeal has gone out to government to work in collaboration with the private sector in the country for smooth implementation of the Youth Internship Programme.  

The plea follows an extension of the contract period by one year for students who are on the government internship program as announced by President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday.

Reacting to the development, youth rights advocate Lucky Mbewe said the program can be effective if government partners with the private sector when recruiting the students.

“The extension itself is the clear indication that the government has well considered the importance of the programme in imparting the necessary skills amongst the young people.”

The K5 billion Youth Internship Programme (YIP) is targeting graduates and non-graduates.

According to the ministry of Labour, Youth and Manpower Development a total of 3 800 interns were recruited at the start of the programme.

The interns are entitled to K80 000 monthly remuneration.