Copper Rose Zambia Takes on the Absa Marathon 2024

Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) made a strong showing at the recent Absa Marathon, with a team led by Deputy CEO Faith Kaoma Kabeleka participating in both the 5km and 10km races.

The marathon provided a valuable opportunity for CRZ to promote the importance of physical activity for your health and well-being, which is one of our key thematic areas. As an organization dedicated to empowering young people, we believe that exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle.

By participating in the Absa Marathon, CRZ demonstrated its commitment to leading by example and encouraging others to adopt healthy habits. We hope to inspire young people to prioritize physical activity as part of their self-care routines.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Absa Bank Zambia team for organizing such a fantastic event.

CRZ 's Deputy CEO Participates in YIELD Hub Strategy Meeting

CRZ's Deputy CEO, Faith Kaoma Kabeleka, recently attended the YIELD Hub Strategy Meeting virtually. The meeting focused on reviewing the YIELD Hub's 2022-2024 strategy and designing a new strategy for the upcoming phase (2025-2028)

The YIELD Hub, a seven-year initiative aimed at enhancing youth participation in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), has made significant strides in its first phase. This strategy meeting involved input from staff, advisors, funders, and partners to ensure it aligns with the evolving needs of the field and builds upon the successes of the previous phase.

As a member of the Youth Reference Group, CRZ played a crucial role in advising on the development of the new strategy. Faith's input ensured that the goals and objectives of the Hub resonate with the needs of youth organizations in Yield Hub's next phase.

CRZ Empowers 31 Community Champions with SMART Advocacy Training

CRZ recently conducted a two-day SMART Advocacy training for 31 community champions from facilities in Chilanga and Lusaka. The training aimed to enhance the champions' knowledge and skills in advocacy, enabling them to effectively advocate for community issues with duty bearers.

The training focused on:

• Increasing knowledge of SMART Advocacy: Participants gained a deeper understanding of the SMART framework for effective advocacy.
• Identifying self-care management advocacy issues: Champions explored key issues related to self-care management within their communities.
• Understanding the role of community champions: Participants learned how they can contribute to advocating for self-care management at the community level.

Through this training, community champions are now equipped to effectively advocate for community cross-cutting issues with duty bearers during their daily interactions.

One participant expressed gratitude for the training, stating, "We appreciate CRZ for empowering us with advocacy skills. The SMART approach will help us address community-pressing issues beyond health.”

CRZ Participates in Social and Behavioral Change (SBC) Strategy Review

CRZ, as a member of the Social Behavioral Change Communication Technical Working Group (TWG), actively participated in the review of the Zambian 2023-2027 Multi-Sectoral Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Strategy.?

Organized by the National AIDS Council and Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, the meeting aimed to ensure the strategy aligns with the 2022-2026 National Adolescent Strategic Plan and accurately reflects the Zambian context.

CRZ is committed to collaborating with stakeholders and contributing to developing effective SBC strategies that address the needs and priorities of young people in Zambia. By participating in this review process, CRZ was able to provide valuable insights and ensure that the strategy incorporates a youth-centered perspective.

The revised SBC Strategy will be crucial in implementing evidence-based interventions and promoting positive social and behavioral change among Zambians. CRZ looks forward to continuing its involvement in implementing and monitoring the strategy to ensure its effectiveness in improving health outcomes.

CRZ Empowers Students with Disabilities in Ndola?

CRZ had the opportunity to share our work at the Ndola Special Education Life Skills and Health Education Workshop, organized by the Peace Corps. The workshop brought together 15 schools to discuss the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities and explore ways to provide support and empowerment.

Through our presentation, we highlighted the impactful initiatives CRZ is undertaking to promote the health and well-being of young people in Zambia. We also explored potential areas of collaboration with the participating special schools to further enhance the support and resources available to their students.

The workshop was a valuable experience that allowed us to gain a deeper understanding of the specific needs of students with disabilities and identify opportunities for collaboration. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young people.

Highlights:

• Youth Hub September Calendar
• Youth Care Radio show is back
• Copper Rose Zambia Annual Report