In a devastating blow to thousands of young workers, the Forestry Commission has officially begun phasing out the Youth in Afforestation/Reforestation Project (YAP), leaving beneficiaries without jobs by March 31, 2025.
A letter of disengagement, sighted by our newsroom, confirms that all workers under the programme will be removed from the payroll and must hand over government property immediately. The move follows a directive from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources (MLNR), effectively bringing the once-promising initiative to an abrupt halt.
While authorities claim efforts are underway to clear outstanding allowances, there’s growing anxiety among affected workers, many of whom rely solely on the programme for survival. The disengagement notice also instructs managers to deactivate beneficiaries from the system (YAMIS), cementing their exit from the programme.
The decision has sparked outrage among beneficiaries, with some demanding a clear plan for their future employment. Others have criticised the government for abandoning an initiative meant to promote reforestation and tackle unemployment.
With just weeks left before the final cutoff, affected workers are now left scrambling for alternatives—while waiting to see if promised payments will actually arrive.
Will the government offer a safety net, or is this the end of the road for thousands of young environmental workers? Stay tuned for more updates.
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