Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Secretary-General of Youth for Democracy (JpD), Elvis Rodrigues, today praised the current government’s progress in youth development in Santa Catarina, noting that investments have enabled greater access to education, training, and entrepreneurship.
At a press conference following recent statements by the Youth of the African Party for the Independence of Cape Verde (JPAI) of Santa Catarina, Elvis Rodrigues highlighted a series of opportunities created in the areas of education and youth employment as proof of the government’s commitment.
Among the advances, he highlighted free education up to the 12th grade, benefiting thousands of families in Santa Catarina, and the government’s 70% contribution to school transportation costs.
He said that the Santa Catarina Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP) has offered dozens of courses that have benefited thousands of young people in the municipality.
“In 2024 alone, more than 730 young people have already benefited from vocational training,” revealed the JpD director, who also highlighted the creation of programs such as Pró Empresa, Pró Capital, and Pró Garante, designed to finance projects for young entrepreneurs.
“More than 85 young people in Santa Catarina have benefited from Banco Jovem e Mulher in the last 10 months,” he added, also highlighting the expansion of the Paid Professional Internship Program and the Youth First Job Hiring Program, which offers tax incentives for companies that employ young people.
Regarding youth employment, the secretary-general highlighted the reduction in the rate of young people out of school, as well as unemployment, which stands at 8%, a significant drop from the 15% recorded in 2016.
However, he criticized the actions of the PAICV-led municipal councils, accusing them of “importing responsibilities onto the Government” and warning that the party’s demands only “demonstrate poor advice.”
“We know that the PAICV is currently campaigning for internal leadership, and we even urge them to do so, but not at the expense of the Government,” he warned, taking the opportunity to encourage young people to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government.
The leader also welcomed recent government measures to support university students, highlighting the expansion of the program for paying tuition debts, the construction of new university residences, and the “significant increase” in scholarships, especially in areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, agronomy, and education.
According to the JpD, in the 2023-2024 academic year, 1,000 scholarships were awarded, while for 2024-2025, the number increased to 1,300, and the expectation, he assured, is to continue growing.
“We warn Cape Verdean youth to be vigilant and not to be influenced by the maneuvers of the opposition, which, during its 15 years in power, has done little for our youth,” he concluded.
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