Youth Leaders in Action in Zambia

Written by Jeremiah Lubumbe Mulanda, Youth Advisory Board member
All photos: Gift Katuta/CARE Zambia

In the early morning with birds singing in the trees and an orange glow surrounding us, we picked up Tyla, the Public Engagement Officer at CARE Canada, and began our journey from Lusaka to the mountainous far east of Zambia. Our small, excited team included Raphael, a videographer from Zambia, and Gift, Communications and Advocacy Officer at CARE Zambia. ‘Papa G,’ our determined driver from CARE, provided his favourite oldies playlist and happily answered our questions en route to Chipata. Together, we were eager to meet the SHE SOARS project participants, youth leaders, partners and communities we had heard so much about. 

Route to SHE SOARS project sites in Eastern Province, Zambia.

On our way we passed beautiful landscapes, sights of busy market stalls, children playing and people going about their daily lives. We arrived in Chipata that afternoon and enjoyed the fresh breeze in the countryside. As a Youth Advisory Board (YAB) member in Zambia, I am used to advising on project documents and activities, but I always look forward to the opportunity to join our team in the field and meet with young people. My task on this trip was to interview the youth participants and learn about their experiences around Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). I was very excited to meet with community leaders and healthcare providers to discover their views on the changes being made through the SHE SOARS project. Boy oh boy, did I love my job for the next few days.

We began our visit in a district called Chadiza, where I spoke with various young leaders in the project who were enthusiastic to share their stories with me. They lit up as they shared how they feel a sense of purpose as leaders speaking up about young people’s health and rights, and how the project is impacting their lives. They were ready to show us what they have been doing to share their learnings with other youth in the community, including leading girls’ and boys’ groups and discussions with adults and different leaders.

Youth learning about SRH services, Chadiza.

We arrived back at the hotel tired from the day’s work but excited about the following day. At 7 a.m. we were on the road again to another district called Kasenengwa, where SHE SOARS partners are working together to increase access to youth-friendly health services and information. I had the privilege of speaking with a young couple and a traditional community leader who highlighted the importance of community ownership of the work and the transformation that happens when men and boys feel a part of efforts towards gender equality. One young man explained how he now helps his wife with household chores and wants to create a brighter future for their children. While in the field, the team enjoyed some African fruits and sugarcane while debriefing and planning for the next day.

Young couple, Thomas Mwanza and Brenda Maziyopa, Kasenengwa.

On the last day of the visit, we travelled to the beautiful Mambwe district, where I sat down with a young mother and member of a Youth Savings and Loans Association (YSLA), Tryness, who started through the SHE SOARS project. She spoke about how participating in the group has given her more financial freedom and decision-making opportunities. Working together with other youth to learn skills and invest their money has provided start-up capital for her business. Seeing this reminded me of the famous words of Benjamin Franklin, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

After visiting youth leaders, project participants and the team from CARE Zambia, Restless Development and LiveWell across the three districts, we decided to take a closer look at the beauty of Zambia. At South Luangwa National Park, we really looked forward to seeing lions, but the animals had a different plan in store for us that day. Instead, we got the chance to enjoy a beautiful sunset along with roaming elephants, monkeys, a hippo, crocodile and warthog. In this peaceful environment, I thought that my biggest reflection from this trip was the phenomenal work the young people are doing to improve their opportunities and lives. But we can still do more. How? By continuing to prioritize meaningful youth engagement! And engage young people around the world.

My message to young people is if you have the vision to dream it, the courage to pursue it, the strength to overcome obstacles, and the dedication to see it through, you can bring it into reality. Believe in yourself.

You can hear more of my experiences and interviews with youth in Zambia on the SHE SOARS podcast.

Jeremiah Mulanda, YAB member.