Malawi has a long way to go in the promotion of youths with various skills and innovations, a human rights activist said on Wednesday. 

Executive director for Bwalo Likule Network, Andrew Kaponya made the remarks as Malawi joined the global community in commemorating World Youth Skills Day which falls on July 15.

Kaponya said there is also knowledge gap on the value of various skills and innovations over white collar jobs among the youth.

“I can challenge you that many youths opt for white collar jobs than jobs that require their skills because till date they do not know the importance of such skills,” he said.

Kaponya suggested on the need to civic educate youths on the relevance and value of skills as well as introduction of initiatives that can provide capital to youths with various skills and innovation saying it has the potential to develop the country economically.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed minister of youths says he intends to prioritize youths development through the initiative that will outlined in the national youth policy as well as youth manifestos.