Voices united as children in Zambia lead the way to educational excellence

In a vibrant celebration of World Children's Day 2024, UNICEF Zambia coordinated a groundbreaking gathering that united young voices from all ten provinces of Zambia. Under the resonant theme "Inclusive, Relevant and Quality Education for Every Child," the commemoration aligned powerfully with the African Union's Year of Education, bringing to life the shared vision of educational excellence across the continent. Through the lens of these captured moments, we witness the spirit of unity, hope, and determination as Zambian children from diverse backgrounds came together to advocate for their right to quality education. Each photograph tells a story of empowerment, showcasing how our young champions are leading the charge for educational transformation in their communities. Join us on this visual journey through the events that marked this year’s World Children’s Day commemoration, where every smile, every raised hand, and every shared dream represents a step toward a future where no child is left behind in their educational journey.

Ahead of World Children's Day, UNICEF partnered with the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) to hear directly from Zambian children about their educational needs. Through face-to-face consultations across all ten provinces and digital engagement via the U-Report platform, children were given safe spaces to share their experiences and hopes for the future.

These candid conversations aimed to create a powerful call to action for policymakers, ensuring that children's voices would help shape the educational policies that affect their lives.

UNICEF compiled all submissions from the national consultations, including U-Report poll results, and forwarded them to the organizing teams at the Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa. These contributions were incorporated into the Regional Call to Action, representing more than 7,000 children who would participate in the commemorations in Zimbabwe.

From across Zambia's ten provinces, young leaders converged in Lusaka for an intensive workshop on parliamentary procedures and protocol. These carefully selected delegates learned the foundations of legislative processes in preparation for their roles in the National Children's Parliament, following their return from Zimbabwe.

The selection process ensured fair representation, with larger and central provinces sending additional delegates to amplify regional voices.

Through their school clubs and with guidance from dedicated chaperones, these young parliamentarians will share their newfound knowledge and experiences, creating a ripple effect of youth engagement across the country.

The young delegates had the unique opportunity to interact with the First Lady of Zimbabwe and participate in various activities, including crafting a unified Call-to-Action focusing on education and children's rights. Their message was clear: quality education should be accessible to all children, regardless of their circumstances.

Beyond the formal proceedings, the Zambian delegates enjoyed recreational activities that fostered friendship and cultural exchange. They experienced the majestic Victoria Falls and even tried their hand at golf, creating memorable moments with their peers from across the region.

The celebration highlighted significant progress in children's rights across Southern Africa, including Zambia's recent efforts to improve education through the recruitment of 4,200 teachers and the approval of the National Social Protection Policy. These achievements demonstrate the positive impact of listening to and acting upon children's voices.

The event concluded with a symbolic torch handover to Botswana, who will host the 2025 regional celebrations. This gathering not only amplified children's voices but also strengthened regional commitment to advancing children's rights and education across Southern Africa.

This memorable experience, supported by UNICEF Zambia, has equipped our young delegates with valuable insights and connections that will help them continue advocating for children's rights in their schools and communities.

UNICEF Youth Advocate Yolanda Grace Tembo appeared on ZNBC's "Kwacha Good Morning, Zambia" alongside UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Henri Heikura and Civil Society for Poverty Reduction Executive Director Isabel M Mukelabai. During the live broadcast on Zambia's national television network, the panel discussed World Children's Day and the planned commemorative activities.

This year's global World Children's Day theme, "Listen to the Future," has been localized in Zambia to focus on "Inclusive, relevant and quality education for all children," aligning with the African Union Year of Education.

As a passionate advocate for youth and children's rights, Tembo shared insights on the critical challenges facing Zambian children and proposed solutions, with particular emphasis on their right to education.

The provincial consultations culminated in the National Children's Parliament, where 80 children, including 14 who had previously represented Zambia in Zimbabwe, participated in a full parliamentary session on November 18. The young parliamentarians engaged in a spirited debate on whether the 2025 National Budget adequately addressed educational needs. The session featured two sides: those supporting the motion and those opposing it. It was both inspiring and enlightening to witness these young parliamentarians articulate their positions and develop a call to action, which was subsequently presented to the Minister of Community Development and Social Services.

At UNICEF Zambia, we believe that exposing children to such opportunities is essential for their personal growth and future aspirations. We hope this experience will encourage them to envision ambitious futures for themselves. While we remain committed to advocating for children's rights, we recognize that this work requires collective effort. We extend our gratitude to the Government's leadership, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, as well as partners like the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, whose collaboration made the Children's Parliament possible.

Through an innovative partnership between UNICEF Zambia and the Lusaka and Katete City Councils, the Lusaka Junior Council stands as a powerful platform for youth voices and leadership. This initiative, part of UNICEF's Adolescent and Youth Engagement programme, transforms young people's potential into meaningful action.

In this captured moment, two passionate young parliamentarians Chongwe Central MP Joy Kapalu and Lusaka Central MP Willa Kunda join UNICEF Zambia's Chief of Communication Advocacy, Partnership and Engagement, Maria Fernandez, for an engaging Junior Council podcast discussion at parliament buildings. Their conversation, centered on insights from the children's parliament during World Children's Day, represents the dynamic exchange of ideas this program fosters.

The podcast studio, equipped by UNICEF, exemplifies our organization's commitment to empowering youth voices. This modern platform enables young leaders to share their stories, spark important discussions, and inspire change in their communities. More than just technology, it's an investment in the next generation's ability to shape their own futures and lead conversations that matter.

The successful implementation of the National Children's Parliament stands as a testament to the strength of collaborative effort. UNICEF recognizes that advocating for children's rights requires diverse partnerships and expertise to maximize impact and achieve meaningful outcomes for young people.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valued partners: the Joining Forces Alliance for Children, the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction, and the Lusaka City Council. Special appreciation goes to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, particularly the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, whose leadership was instrumental in making this event truly impactful for our youth.

Through these partnerships, we avoided duplication of efforts, leveraged specialized expertise, and created a more effective platform for adolescents and young people to have their voices heard.

In celebration of World Children's Day, UNICEF Zambia seized an important opportunity to amplify children's voices through a live interview on Lusaka's One Love Radio. The engaging conversation allowed us to delve deep into critical issues affecting Zambia's young population.

During the broadcast, we shared powerful insights gathered from children during the national consultations and commemorative activities. Our discussion emphasized the fundamental importance of protecting children's rights and ensuring no child is left behind in our development agenda.

The conversation also explored pressing global challenges, particularly how climate change and conflict can erode the progress made in children's education. On a positive note, we highlighted the Government of the Republic of Zambia's commitment to educational reform, including their ongoing initiatives to recruit more teachers and improve pupil-teacher ratios across the country.

This meaningful dialogue exemplifies UNICEF Zambia's dedication to advocating for children's rights through every available platform, helping to build a stronger future for all children in Zambia.

Fifteen changemakers, their faces full of determination, stepped into the corporate halls of Airtel Networks Zambia. These young visionaries, aged 10 to 17, weren't there for a typical field trip - they were there to lead. Through an innovative partnership between UNICEF Zambia and Airtel, these carefully selected youth assumed roles that stretched from department heads to Managing Director. Their selection, facilitated by UNICEF's partner Restless Development, marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. As morning meetings commenced and decisions awaited, each young leader shadowed an experienced professional, their notebooks filling with insights and questions that revealed minds hungry for knowledge.

This Kids Takeover programme represents more than a day of role-play - it's a glimpse into possibility. At UNICEF Zambia, we believe that every child deserves to see themselves in positions of leadership, to touch the future they could create. As these young leaders return to their communities, they carry with them not just memories, but the profound understanding that their dreams have no ceiling.

The highlight of World Children's Day was the installation of the Junior Council, a key initiative of UNICEF Zambia's Adolescent and Youth Engagement Programme. In partnership with the Lusaka and Katete City Councils, UNICEF Zambia has launched pilot phases of Junior Councils in both districts. The Lusaka City Council marked the 2024 World Children's Day by inaugurating its Junior Council, creating a platform that empowers young people with the tools and opportunities to shape their future. This Council serves as a voice for youth, representing their vision and potential to create meaningful change.

Through this initiative, UNICEF Zambia aims to reach the most marginalized adolescents across the country, with a particular focus on adolescent girls. The program, currently active in Lusaka and Katete districts, embodies the vision of a Zambia where every adolescent can realize their full potential in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.