Copper Rose Zambia Unveils "Sports for Sobriety" Fundraising Event at Press Briefing

Yesterday, Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) held an impactful press briefing at its head office in Lusaka to announce the upcoming “Sports for Sobriety” fundraising sports day, led by CRZ's CEO and Board Chairperson, and in partnership with Brandline Africa.

Scheduled for November 16th at Sunset Stadium, the "Sports for Sobriety" event aims to unite the community to support youth sobriety through sports. The initiative seeks to raise ZMW 300,000 for the rehabilitation of 100 youths in need, addressing the pressing issues of substance abuse and mental health challenges among young people in Zambia.

CRZ's CEO, Dr. Natasha Salifyanji Kaoma emphasized the organization's accomplishments over the years, reaffirming its commitment to empowering vulnerable communities. The Board Chairperson Dr Cheswa Vwalika provided insights into the fundraising sports day, stating:

"This sports day will serve as a platform for young people to engage in activities that promote mental health awareness, resilience, and positive coping mechanisms. We are looking to have 15 companies participate, and a week before the event, we have confirmation from 60 to 70 percent of them."

Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Dr. Vwalika underscored the importance of the initiative by citing alarming statistics:

• According to the World Health Organization, nearly 20% of Zambians experience mental health disorders.
• Lusaka is home to approximately 30,000 homeless individuals, a significant portion of whom are youths affected by substance abuse.
• Zambia ranks among the highest in Africa for alcohol consumption and related substance abuse.

The Sports Day at Sunset Stadium will feature football and netball matches, mental health talks led by local experts such as Daniel Mbazima of Sanity House, and institutions such as the Drug Enforcement Commission, providing valuable information on managing trauma, stress, and peer pressure. There will also be music and performances by the charismatic DJ Hussein.

Mark your calendars for November 16th at Sunset Stadium. The public is invited to participate by attending the event, sponsoring teams, or donating to the cause.?

For inquiries and confirmation, please contact Mweete Ilishebo, our Event Manager from Brand-Line Africa, at +260977690418 or email at [email protected]

CRZ Advocates for Children's Health at PATA Summit

CRZ participated in the Pediatric-Adolescent Treatment Africa (PATA) Summit themed "Together in CARE: Healthcare Champions for Children." The event brought together healthcare providers and advocates focused on improving children's health across Africa.

Key Highlights:

• Advocacy Workshop Support: CRZ assisted in orienting healthcare providers to an advocacy toolkit designed for media-centered messaging to amplify children's health rights.
• Exhibitions and Networking: We engaged with participants through exhibitions and interactive sessions, sharing best practices and fostering collaborative networks.
• Global Alliance Commitments Focus: CRZ attended sessions highlighting the need to prioritize children in health programming, enhance data collection for decision-making, adopt rights-based approaches to combat HIV in children, and address policy and cultural barriers in sexual and reproductive health.
• Emphasis on Positive Healthcare Attitudes: CRZ's Youth and Gender Advisor, Nedah Chikonde, emphasized that positive attitudes among healthcare providers are crucial for ending AIDS in children by 2030. Chikonde highlighted that compassionate and supportive healthcare environments encourage treatment adherence and improve overall health outcomes for children living with HIV.

Looking Ahead

CRZ remains dedicated to championing the health and rights of children. The insights gained and connections made at the PATA Summit reinforce CRZ's commitment to collaborative advocacy and action. By working "Together in CARE," there is a collective strength in addressing the challenges and ensuring a healthier future for all children.

Employee Spotlight: Tamando Mwanza: A Catalyst for Change

Meet Tamando Mwanza, a dedicated Executive Assistant to the Deputy CEO. Tamando plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization.

As a key point of contact between the Deputy CEO, the board, internal teams, and external partners, Tamando is responsible for facilitating communication, managing schedules, and

As a key point of contact between the Deputy CEO, the board, internal teams, and external partners, Tamando is responsible for facilitating communication, managing schedules, and coordinating important tasks. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills are invaluable assets to the team.

Tamando's passion for youth empowerment is evident in her dedication to CRZ's mission. She believes in creating a supportive environment where young people can thrive, and she is committed to making a positive impact on their lives.

We are grateful for Tamando's contributions to CRZ. Her hard work and dedication are instrumental in driving our organization forward.

Empowering Mtendere Community: A Successful SRHR Outreach

CRZ, in partnership with Mtendere Clinic, recently conducted a successful Safe Reproductive Health Awareness Project (SAP) end-of-year community outreach in Mtendere Market.

The outreach event provided free HIV testing and access to modern contraceptives, empowering 71 individuals to take control of their health. Additionally, 237 community members benefited from valuable health education sessions conducted by our dedicated team of peer health educators.

By bringing essential sexual and reproductive health services directly to the community, we aimed to:

• Increase awareness: Raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and other reproductive health issues.
• Promote healthy behaviors: Encourage healthy sexual behaviors and responsible decision-making.
• Reduce stigma: Create a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to access services.
• Improve health outcomes: Ultimately, improve the sexual and reproductive health outcomes of community members.

The impact of the outreach extends far beyond the immediate event. By equipping individuals with knowledge and access to services, we empower them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

We are grateful to our partners at Mtendere Clinic and our dedicated team of peer educators for their contributions to this successful initiative. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of young people in Mtendere and beyond.

Highlights:

• CRZ Fundraising Sports Day advert
• CRZ September Monthly Newsletter
• CRZ Annual Report for 2023