- a total of 451 projects funded in Maun since 2009
A total of 35 projects out of 78 applications received in North West district have this 2024/2025 financial year been funded to the tune of P3.4million under the Youth Development Fund (YDF) programme.
Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs (Maun office) recently held a training workshop for the beneficiaries aimed at cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset on them as well as equipping them with skills on digital marketing, record keeping, financial management, human resources management and customer care.
Acting principal programmes officer under the ministry Malebogo Moilwa revealed that from 2009 to 2024/2025 financial year a total of 451 YDF projects have been funded in Maun.
She has since encouraged the beneficiaries to return the funds so that others could benefit from the programme. “There are successful projects that have managed to return the funds; however, we still face a challenge as majority of the youth are not servicing their loans, therefore this deprives others an opportunity to benefit from the funds,” Moilwa said.
For his part, North West deputy district commissioner, Ramogaupi Gaborekwe urged the beneficiaries to remain resilient despite the challenges that they may face in operating their businesses.
He noted that entrepreneurship is a journey that has challenges therefore the beneficiaries should be strongly encouraged to develop the ability to bounce back from those challenges and adapt to difficult situations.
‘‘You have to be strong because there is nothing that comes easy, as you go out there you will find other people who are already in business so you have to be resilient in order for you to penetrate the market,’’ he said.
Gaborekwe stated that for the businesses to strive the beneficiaries should remain resilient, dedicated, perseverant and innovative. He said that the fund was a sign of trust to the beneficiaries’ potential and an opportunity that comes with responsibility. Gaborekwe also encouraged the cohort to collaborate and learn from each other’s experiences.
He stressed the need for the beneficiaries to be committed in their business, indicating that commitment goes along with attitude. Gaborekwe noted that by allocating the funds to the beneficiaries, government has invested in them therefore they should also repay the loan as that would promote sustainable development.
‘‘Your businesses have the power to contribute to the economic growth, your success will pave a way for new generation of entrepreneurs,’’ he said. One of the beneficiaries, Mpho Bethia operating a Mobile Safari business has appreciated the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs for allocating him the funds and urged the youth to utilize the initiative to establish their businesses in order to improve their livelihoods. Bethia has further encouraged the beneficiaries to work together and learn from each other.
