Bole (N/R), Nov. 20, GNA- The first batch of 30 unemployed youth, registered under the Integrated Community Centre for Employable Skills (ICCES), in Bole, have passed out after a three -month intensive training in Batik, Tie and Dye, and Soap making.

This is in line with government efforts to create more jobs for the unemployed.

Addressing the graduates comprising 25 females and five males, the Bole District Chief Executive, Alhaji Sulemana Adams Achanso noted that since the NPP government assumed power, it has initiated several poverty reduction strategies designed to provide practical tools for the unemployed.

He said the government in its desire to reduce poverty, developed the skill and entrepreneurial development programme to address constraints facing the youth in acquiring skills for gainful employment.

Alhaji Achanso urged the graduates to remain committed to the acquired vocation to avoid vices such as engaging in social relationship that can lead them into contracting the HIV/AIDS.

The District Chief Executive advised the graduates to form groups to enable them acquire loans.

The Regional Co-ordinator of ICCES, Mr Deri Williams Chamegoh, who represented the National Director of ICCES said that the main purpose of the ICCES programme is to train school leavers and dropouts, and other unemployed into skilful trades.

Mr Chamegoh disclosed that, the government took census of all unemployed youth in the country to embark on poverty reduction strategies, reduce the trend of unemployed in country, and the youth migrating to the cities for non-existent jobs.

The government, therefore, released part of the HIPC Fund for the training of unemployed in Batik Tie and Dye, textiles, soap making and other employable skills after which they will be organised into groups for them to obtain financial assistance to start businesses, he said.