Traditional Leaders Commit to Uphold and Protect the Rights of Children in Luapula

25 April 2025, Mansa, Luapula Province – Traditional leaders from eleven chiefdoms in Nchelenge, Mwansabombwe, Kawambwa, Chifunabuli and Chiengi districts, hosted by the Permanent Secretary of Luapula Province, Prudence Chinama, came together today in Mansa and committed to uphold and protect the rights of children in the province, and support the implementation of the European Union Human Development Programme (EU HD).

“Let us all work together to protect the investment that has been made through the construction of the early childhood development and education centres, which will provide an opportunity for our young children to have a good start early in life. This would set them on a pathway of success,” said HRH, Dr Chief Chisunka who urged his fellow traditional leaders to give this programme full support. “Let us contribute our wisdom and local knowledge to help shape this initiative.”

This four-year initiative administered by UNICEF Zambia aims to support children to reach their full potential and to improve young female adolescents’ resilience in alignment with Zambia’s human development commitments.

“The programme’s focus on children 0-8 years and female adolescents is very strategic as children are the future leaders of the nation. In our local language we say ‘Imiti Ikula Empanga’ – young trees will grow and eventually form a dense forest. Human capital development is the cornerstone for the development of our beloved province and country, Zambia, and so, we wholly welcome this programme to be implemented in five selected districts of Luapula province,” stated Prudence Chinama, Permanent Secretary of Luapula province.

Zambia’s traditional leaders play a significant role within their communities. They are highly respected and influential, often acting as key intermediaries between the Government, development partners, and the people they serve. Their endorsement and active participation can facilitate smoother implementation of development projects by ensuring community buy-in and addressing any cultural or social concerns that may arise.

The first years of life are foundational. A child’s brain develops faster in the first five years than at any other time. What we invest in these early years determines a child’s ability to grow, to learn, and to contribute to society. Yet, the current national investment in Early Childhood Development, while improving, remains far below global benchmarks. Pre-primary education receives less than 2 per cent of the education budget, and many children do not have access to early childhood education and early learning opportunities.

Adolescence is another critical period that offers a second window of opportunity to influence developmental trajectories, compensate for poor childhood experiences and facilitate a productive transition into adulthood. In Zambia, adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, make up about 26 per cent of the total population. They face critical challenges that affect their well-being and success. For example, 29 per cent of women aged 20-24 were married before turning 18, and about 28 per cent of girls aged 15-19 have already borne children.

“This gathering marks an important moment in our shared responsibility to the children of Zambia. We are here to affirm our commitment to working together to give every child the best possible start in life. We know that in many places, tradition shapes parenting, education, and gender roles. You, your royal highnesses, are the bridge between community beliefs and national development. Through you, communities can be inspired to prioritize children, promote positive parenting, support adolescent girls, and create safe environments for all. In a world where funding cuts are putting children’s wellbeing at risk, this initiative is more important than ever before,” emphasized Henri Heikura, Deputy Representative Operations, UNICEF Zambia.

UNICEF will work with the Local Government through the Permanent Secretaries in Luapula and North-Western provinces to deliver key interventions under this programme, including:

• Train social welfare, health workers, and teachers so that children and adolescents receive quality services.
• Support communities with parenting programmes that promote nurturing care and well-being of children and adolescents and create a protective environment for children and adolescents to prevent harm.
• Ensure WASH services are functional and sustainable by strengthening district and community maintenance structures.
• Collaborate with government to strengthen systems—from teacher recruitment to supply chains—to ensure the Early Childhood Development and Education centres are not only built but thrive.