Programme

Adolescent and Youth Engagement

In Zambia, adolescents and youth face significant challenges that hinder their development and potential.

Kids in school
UNICEF/Zambia/2024/Adam
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The challenge

In Zambia, adolescents and youth face significant challenges that hinder their development and potential. With over 50% of the population under the age of 18, youth are at the heart of our nation’s future. However, they grapple with issues such as high rates of unemployment, limited access to quality education, sexual and reproductive health services and increasing vulnerability to violence and exploitation. 

Girls in school.
UNICEF/Zambia/2024/Adam

Public health emergencies such as COVID-19 pandemic, cholera and impacts of climate change such as drought and floods further exacerbate these challenges, disrupts education and increases the need for mental health services, and leaves many adolescents isolated and without support. Addressing these multifaceted challenges requires an urgent and coordinated response to empower adolescents and young people and engage them in meaningful ways.

The Response

Adolescent and youth programming is not only a noble cause but also a critical investment in Zambia's future. By harnessing their potential and providing them with quality education, healthcare, access to social and protective services and opportunities, we can unlock a generation equipped to drive innovation, foster sustainable development, and propel social economic progress. Empowering our adolescents and young people ignites a transformative force that will shape Zambia for generations to come, leading to a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future.

In response to these pressing challenges, UNICEF Zambia has launched the Adolescent and Youth Engagement Programme, aimed at creating an inclusive platform where young people can voice their opinions, participate in decision-making, and access essential resources.

Through these efforts, we aim to empower adolescents and young people to become active participants in their communities and in shaping their future.

The solution

Our programme focuses on the following key areas:

  • Advocacy and Awareness - We support youth-led advocacy initiatives that raise awareness about the rights of adolescents and young people, encouraging them to be champions for change within their communities.
  • Empowerment Through Education - We provide access to quality education and digital learning resources, ensuring that young people are equipped with the skills needed for future employment and civic engagement.
  • Health and Well-being - Recognizing the importance of mental and physical health, we offer programmes that address sexual and reproductive health, adolescent nutrition, HIV prevention, mental health awareness, and support networks to help youth navigate these critical areas
  • Participation and Leadership - By fostering environments where young people can engage in decision-making processes, we nurture their leadership skills through junior youth councils, community projects, and partnerships with local organizations.
Students in school.
UNICEF/Zambia/2024/Adam

At UNICEF Zambia, we empower adolescents and young people to advocate for their rights and well-being through comprehensive initiatives. Our programs educate youth on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and develop their advocacy and communication skills. We create platforms that amplify young voices and integrate them into national and local decision-making processes regarding policy development, budget allocation, and implementation. By enhancing their capacity to communicate effectively, adolescents and young people actively participate in co-creating advocacy materials that address issues that affect them. Furthermore, we establish protective measures and safe spaces for adolescents, ensuring their safety and well-being. Our orientation encompasses all programmatic themes, including Child Protection, Education, Health and HIV, Nutrition, Social Protection, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.