CYP Africa hosts International Award Association Anglophone Award Leaders Training Workshop

The workshop was officially opened by the Hon. Kenneth Chipungu, MP, Minister of Sport, Youth and Child Development. Honorable Chipungu thanked the organizers and the IAA according Zambia an opportunity of hosting an international workshop. He was accompanied by 2 Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretary and Directors of Youth, Child and Sport. Participants were from the following 10 African countries Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, Botswana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Egypt, Somalia and Zambia. He said that the programme was designed to build capacity for award leaders who will impact young people that make up a large part of the populations in Africa and the world.

The minister emphasised the importance of equipping young people especially during the transition period (14 – 25 years). He urged various stakeholders to appreciate the positive attributes of youths in society. He echoed the declarations contained in the African Youth Charter that was signed in 2006, commemorations of the Africa Youth Day (1^st of November each year), the UN’s International Youth Day (12^th August), with the theme “Dialogue and Mutual Understanding” as some of the ways in which Governments have raised awareness and the plight of young people. The minister acknowledged the need to holistically address Young people’s wellbeing, particularly that, human development requires efforts and involvement of the communities, organizations and young people themselves. He also called upon the private sector and developmental agencies to invest in similar initiatives.

Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional Centre for Africa (CYP RCA) Regional Director, Mr. James Odit, welcomed participants to the training workshop and re-affirmed CYP’s commitment to youth development work in Zambia and the Africa Region.

Board Chairperson of the NAA – Zambia, Dr. Caleb Fundanga, who is also the Governor of Bank of Zambia welcomed participants and distinguished guests on behalf of the NAA Board. He commended the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development (MSYCD) on their commitment to the programme and the support it has given to the NAA Secretariat. The Chairperson applauded the programme as it focuses on empowering youths aged between 15 – 25 years old with life skills through service projects such as art, physical recreation, perseverance, adventure etc. On completion of training, participants attain awards at levels of Bronze, Silver and Gold. Students gain recognition for their extra-curricular activities, improve confidence, and have a positive impact on the community through voluntary work.

Mr. Edwin Kimani, Regional Director of IAA, showcased a video of the International Award worldwide. He emphasised the importance of engaging a range of leaders in working with the young people According to a research conducted in Africa, there are 187 million youth aged between 18 – 24 years. These young people are faced with life-threatening situations that affect their future among them, are the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Award, according to Mr. Kimani, complements other developmental agencies working with young people in alleviating poverty.

A vote of thanks was given by one of the participants Mrs. Elitas Mwanza, who thanked the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development (MSYCD) for its tireless effort shown in establishing the Award programme in Zambia. She encouraged other participants to actively engage with the facilitators to make the training a success.