LUANGWA RECEIVES 29 BICYCLES FOR PEER EDUCATORS, ADOLESCENTS SERVICES

Luangwa, Sunday (July 30, 2023)

Government says it will continue to provide adequate resources to facilitate availability of essential infrastructure, transport, equipment in order to have an effective adolescents and youth development system.

Luangwa District Commissioner Luke Chikani has since paid special tribute to ChildFund working with Luangwa Child Development Agency for donating 29 bicycles for Peer Educators involved in adolescent services in Luangwa District.?

Mr. Chikani said the bicycles from ChildFund will go a long way in strengthening the adolescent developmental services system in the District.

"May I take this opportunity to thank Luangwa Child Development Agency working with ChildFund for partnering with the Government of Zambia to support adolescents and youths by provision of bicycles to enable them implement effectively, peer education activities in communities. Availability of appropriate resources such as bicycles for peer education services will translate into improved delivery and coverage of quality, equitable and inclusive peer education services to the Luangwa community," he said.?

Mr. Chikani said the program by Luangwa Child Development Agency is in ine with the New Dawn Government's transformation agenda under the able leadership of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.

"Investment in education and skills development is one of the key focus areas in the 8th National Development Plan and is fundamental to inclusive development," he said.?

The Luangwa District Commissioner said the 8th National Development Plan seeks to ensure that life relevant knowledge and skills are provided to youths in promoting the Application of National Values and Principles.

"This development today will help ensure equitable access and provision of cost-effective, quality peer education services as close to the family as possible with an overall goal of improving the relevant life knowledge and skills necessary for socio-economic transformation for improved livelihoods. The contribution of the forementioned bicycles by ChildFund is a remarkable milestone for peer education service delivery in Luangwa District. Availability of appropriate equipment and infrastructure is an important component of a well-functionng peer education system," he said.?

Mr. Chikani said various Government Departments have been working towards a goal of taking peer education services as close to the family as possible.

"The Government of the Republic of Zambia recognises the important role our partners are playing in ensuring that the people of Zambia have equity of accces to quality peer education services. The Government is therefore, proud of the important synergies existing in improving people's lives in our country and Luangwa District, in particular. It is for this reason that the Government shall continue to create conducive environment for our non-governmental organizations and other private partners to participate in this journey of attaining socio-economic transformation," he said.?

The District Commissioner said there are more areas in Luangwa that need appropriate and modern equipment, infrastructure and transport in order to strengthen youth development in the District.

"Therefore, I am encouraging partners and NGOs to venture in the development of adolescents and youths in the District by supporting the various gorvenment programs with the appropriate modern equipment, infrastructure and transport. I would like to commend ChildFund for the significant contribution they have made in improving and sustaining youth development in various communities in the District. We urge the beneficiaries of these bicycles to take good care of them and use them for the intended purpose. The Government of the Republic of Zambia recognises that contributions of this magnitude requires significant resources, and it is therefore important to harness the partners that are willing to help the country in the manner ChildFund are doing. Allow me to take this opportunity to once again thank ChildFund and Luangwa Child Development Agency for this high impact investment we are receiving today and I want to again urge the beneficiaries to use these bicycles with care and ensure proper sustainability," he said.?

Issued by:

Priscilla Chama Mpengula

Communications Specialist?

ChildFund Zambia?