Increase unemployment a socio-economic issue: Church leader

By BRADLEY MARIORI
A CHURCH leader is concerned about the lack of jobs which is leading to the increase in unemployment, describing it a serious socio-economic problem for the country.
Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG head bishop Rev Dr Jack Urame said while the education system was going through reforms, the number of high schools and secondary schools were increasing, and more young people entering universities, colleges and technical schools, formal employment remained a huge challenge.
“Many young people are graduating from tertiary institutions.
“But where do they fit in after graduating?
“It is a burden for the country when only a few can fit into the formal employment sector.”
He said it was sad to see young qualified people full of potential still walking around the streets looking for a job.
“What sense does it make to graduate thousands of young people with university and college diplomas and degrees when many cannot get a job?” he said.
“After many years of schooling with so much money, time and effort invested, human resource (cannot be used and is wasted).
“Their training and qualification must be used to build the nation.
“The increase in unemployment is really killing the country.
“PNG is a growing nation and must not waste human resources on the streets.”
He urged the Government to stop ignoring the problem.
“Young people go to school with dreams and high hopes to make a future.
“They want to join the nation’s workforce and contribute positively to the country.
“When they finish school they look forward to securing a job.
“But when job opportunities are limited, and when the doors they knock on are closed because there is no job, they feel demoralised and discouraged.”