The National Youth Council (NYC) and the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have joined hands for creating self employment and entrepreneurship for youths across the country.

Making public a joint declaration of the first International Nepali Youth Conference in the Capital on Tuesday, the NYC and the NRNA said the joint initiative would focus on developing skills of those willing to take up overseas jobs and providing self-employment support for those who want to stay in the country.

The two-day conference was held on October 1 and 2 in the Capital with the participation of 350 youths working in various sectors.

The organisations declared that they would work in tandem to develop a model project of self employment in each province within a year. Similarly, a separate micro-finance programme will be lunched, targeting at creating opportunities for self employment and entrepreneurship within the country.

“It’s sad that our youths have been compelled to leave the country for a meagre Rs40,000 a month,” said NRNA President Shesh Ghale, speaking at the programme. “The government should put a ban on sending unskilled workers abroad.”

He said the NRNA is always ready to work with the government in empowering youth and honing their skills before their departure for overseas employment.

According to the declaration, the two organisations will develop a roster of the successful youth entrepreneurs and develop a forum to share their experiences to motivate others to join the league. The successful youths will also be extended necessary support to further their enterprises.

They have pledged support to at least 500 youths with disabilities and provide disaster management to 200 youths in each districts of all seven provinces. Besides, the NRNA will also help in creating Social Security Fund.

“We will work for brain gain,” said Madhav Dhungel, vice-chairman of the NYC.