National Foods initiative fights youth unemployment with sustainable egg businesses

NATIONAL Foods Limited has announced a US$30,000 investment in a new egg layer production programme in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe.

Codenamed “A Life A Day,” the initiative, which is spearheaded by National Foods Stockfeeds Division aims to empower youths in rural Zimbabwe to develop sustainable livelihoods through enterprise development.

It is part of National Food Limited’s broader goals to invest in youths, support rural industrialisation, and promotion of long-term health and food security.

In essence, the program which has been set to reach all four corners of Zimbabwe, intends to empower youths through skills training, education, and small business development.

Since its inception last year, the program has supported over 1500 youths in various communities, mainly in Matabeleland North and South.

The first phase of the biannual programme saw National Foods providing resources including 1 000 laying hens for youth in the Ndiweni Community in Matabeleland South.

The initiative is in tandem with National Foods Limited’s commitment to deliver social and economic impact to communities across Zimbabwe.

It also endeavours to help the youth in developing sustainable small enterprises and become self-sufficient egg producers, with excess supply sold to generate income.

National Foods Group chief executive officer, Mike Lashbrook said the initiative seeks to instill confidence and harness skills required by youths to run their viable small enterprises profitably.

Adding that the company remains committed to initiatives that deliver impact by investing in society.

“Our business has been built on the hard work and dedication of Zimbabweans over many decades. We believe we have a responsibility to invest in future generations by providing skills and opportunities for youths to reach their full potential.

“This programme is one way we are working to build a pipeline of talent and support entrepreneurship, which will benefit communities and the broader economy,” said Lashbrook.

National Foods Stockfeeds division believes that business success and social impact go hand in hand.

Lashbrook said the company is cultivating future prosperity and helping build a healthier Zimbabwe by investing in youths and local communities.

Director for the ALAD program at the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe Miss Sithabile Ndlovu said she was grateful to partner with National Foods, an entity that shares the vision for empowering youths and communities through enterprise development and livelihood improvements.

“We want to see youths taking charge of their own development through deliberate actions that will transform their lives. This partnership with National Foods will catalyse opportunities for self-employment, income generation, and poverty reduction for many families,” said Miss Ndlovu.

The government last year declared drug and substance abuse a National Disaster calling upon responsible citizens, corporates to come up with strategies to curb this abuse, especially amongst the youths.

Therefore ‘A Life A Day’ is an innovative model for corporate social investment that can create real change and opportunities in youths’ lives.

Through this initiative, National Foods Stockfeeds Division wants to ensure that young people keep themselves busy with profitable and productive endeavours, enabling them to gain skills in poultry management, business development, and entrepreneurship.

This gesture will enable youths to establish egg layer projects through a pass on scheme that will be managed by the Community Foundation.-ebusinessweekly