A FEAST TO REMEMBER - ZAMBIA’S FIRST LADY HOSTS OVER 400 CHILDERN AT STATE HOUSE

By Kanengo Nakamba

Zambia’s First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba Sata has continued to play an important and active role in promoting and protecting the rights of the Zambian child, earning her international recognition and awards.

To celebrate this year’s Christmas and her birthday, Dr Kaseba held a children’s Christmas Carols and Party for orphans and vulnerable children aged 4 – 10 years at State House.

Scores of children from all works of life stood at bus stations as early as 06:30 hours to wait for the buses to take them to State House. Upon arrival the children were greeted by huge bowls of popcorns, crisps and fruits to devour while they waited for the program to start. Child participation was the melody for the day as all the Masters of Ceremonies were children. All presentations were also made by children.

The place was lit up when the host Dr Kaseba Sata arrived as the children showed signs of unimaginable happiness. She later abandoned her well decorated table for a table where the physically challenged children sat. All the children at the party were asked not to call the President and First Lady by their official names but address them as Papa and Mama.

The President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Michael Chilufya Sata came 30 minutes after Dr Kaseba and the children could not hide their excitement as they quickly run straight into his arms and chanted his name in sequences despite the tight security.

Dr Kaseba was later invited on stage and surprised with presents, a song by Chungu Musuka and a birthday cake. But before the presentation of the gifts and cake, a vote of thanks was made by 11 year old Vanessa Mwale from the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. In her speech, Vanessa said the children were hopeful that Papa (His Excellency) will soon invite them to discuss developmental issues that affect them because all the adults are doing the work for us. “All the hard work you put in is to ensure that we the children are comfortable and finish our school, we are your motivation to hard work and in the process of working for us you should not forget us”, Vanessa said. In his response, President Sata said, he would invite the children to State House but this time to discuss developmental issues. - The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

MEDIA NETWORK CAMPAIGNS AGAINST CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

By Victor Kanguya

Child defilement is rapidly taking root in our country like a malignant cancer. Just as cancerous cells multiply uncontrollably, destroying healthy tissue. Child Sexual Abuse in Zambia is eating away the moral fibre of our society and destroying childhood innocence in the process.

The Media Network on Child Rights and Development (MNCRD) with support from Firelight Foundation recently held a Bus Campaign against Child Sexual Abuse in Kafue and Mazabuka. MNCRD decided to hold a Bus Campaign in the two Districts (Kafue and Mazabuka) owing to the high number of child sexual abuse cases reported in the two areas.

Mazabuka with about 288,000 inhabitants has recently recorded a rise in the number of defilement cases. Speaking during an interview with the Children’s News Agency, MNCRD Executive Director, Mr Henry Kabwe said the Campaign was meant to sensitise the public about child sexual abuse in Kafue and Mazabuka districts. He further said the organisation carried along a team of journalists in order to facilitate the coverage of the Campaign.

The Campaign provided an opportunity for the public to express their views and air concerns. “The response was overwhelming, we had people coming over to find out more about child sexual abuse”, Mr Kabwe said. “We also had people coming through giving information about certain cases where the police had not made follow up”, he went on to say.

Despite the introduction of stiffer laws such as the increase of the minimum sentence for any person convicted of defilement to 15 years, the country still continues to grapple with child sexual abuse.

The statistics released by the Zambia Police for 2011, indicate that cases of child sexual abuse hit 1,939, with only 511 going through legal procedure 66 withdrawn and 329 still under study. The statistics above are a true representation of the situation on the ground and this should be evidence enough to bring everyone on board in order to fight this crisis.

Child sexual abuse is a subject that should be of concern to every Zambian. There is need to join hands in finding solutions to this problem and organisations such as MNCRD need to be supported for undertaking a Campaign of this nature, as the wellbeing and development of any child should be the most important for every Zambian. - The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT INTERACT WITH CHILDREN

By Victor Kanguya and Kanengo Nakamba

It is a rare opportunity for children to step into the National Assembly and present their petitions to their leaders. But for more over 40 children from Lusaka, Chibombo, Kafue and Chongwe, Tuesday 27^th November 2012 was a special day as they walked into the National Assembly to present their concerns and interact with the law markers.  Childfund Zambia with its co-operating partners organised a meeting at which children and the members of Parliament from the Coalition of African Parliamentarians Against HIV/AIDS, CAPAH were present. The meeting was aimed at providing an opportunity for the children and members of Parliament to interact.

Zambia is one of the African countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS: with about 19 percent of children under 18, mostly orphaned due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. HIV/AIDS among children has been a growing concern and this has prompted stakeholders such as Childfund to take an active role in combating the problem. The meeting held at parliament was aimed at finding solutions to the problem of HIV/AIDS among children.

 The Coalition of African Parliamentarians Against HIV/AIDS, CAPAH has its membership drawn from all political parties with representation in Parliament. CAPAH Zambia envisions healthy communities with productivity, free from the threat of HIV/AIDS. Taking into consideration its strategic positioning, it is important that the organisation joins hands with other stakeholders in fighting HIV/AIDS among children.

Having been given this rare accordance, the children present at the meeting took the opportunity to share their challenges and experiences. The children through a speech read by a child representative, called on the members of Parliament to further strengthen girl child protection; by putting in place laws that will adequately protect the female child. “The girl child does not feel adequately protected because they are on the wanted list of older men, who are in some cases are infected with HIV/AIDS”.

The children further reiterated their call to the members of Parliament by saying; they are willing to work with the members of Parliament in their communities in HIV/AIDS prevention activities. The children further thanked the members of Parliament for taking their time to meet and interact with them.

The members of Parliament present also called on the children and youth to uphold high moral standards, as the laws they have put in place alone cannot guarantee their safety if they are not cautious.

Childfund Zambia through its Program Director Ms Doras Chirwa also thanked the members of Parliament for their presence. “We are excited to see members of Parliament that are passionate about HIV/AIDS and that have contributed significantly to fighting the pandemic in Zambia”, Ms Chirwa said. Ms Chirwa shared some of Childfund’s core outcomes which are infant and young children to be secure and healthy and children that are confident and educated. She further went on to say, Childfund alone cannot achieve these core outcomes and is looking forward to partnering with other organisations such as CAPAH.

And responding to the children’s presentations, the members of Parliament committed to ensuring that the concerns raised by the children were debated in Parliament. Member of Parliament for Mandevu, Ms Jean Kapata said the Parliamentarians heard the children’s concerns and were happy that some of the issues they are planning to take to Parliament during the next session were highlighted in the children’s presentations.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic should be of growing concern to every well meaning Zambian. The statistics are of great concern and the children called for more sensitisation especially in rural areas. One of the children present at the meeting Cecilia Matenda from Kafue said, “Such events should be extended to rural areas so that children lacking information could be part of them”. “This will give children the confidence to come out in the open and speak out on the issues affecting them”, she said. These calls should be taken seriously as children are the future of any nation. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

TREASURE OUR CHILDREN

By Mwiza Zulu,                                                                                      Children’s News Agency (CNA)

The United Nations (UN) Universal Children’s Day is an occasion to promote the welfare of children and to create a mutual understanding among children all over the world.

This day is commemorated on November 20^th each year. This is the same day the UN General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1989.

Zambia, being a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child joined the rest of the world on November 20^th 2012 in commemorating the Universal Children’s Day. It was indeed another milestone in recognising the important role children play in our society.

Children, being tomorrow’s leaders have to be taken care of in all aspects of their lives and therefore, this year’s theme was, ‘Treasure Our Children’.

The Media Network on Child Rights and Development (MNCRD), Children In Need Network (CHIN), the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) and World Vision Zambia came together to host this year’s commemoration of the Universal Children’s Day. This event took place at Southern Sun Ridgeway Hotel in Lusaka.

Officiating at the event on behalf of the wife to the Republican Vice President Mrs Charlotte Scott was Mrs Mary Shamenda (wife to the Minister of Labour, Mr Fackson Shamenda). Mrs Shamenda was accompanied by Mrs Edith Phiri (wife to Education Minister Dr John Phiri), Mrs Grace   Chenda (wife to Agricultural Minister Mr Emmanuel Chena) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health, Professor Elwyn Chomba. Also present were representatives from various organisations and government departments.

During the commemoration, children from different walks of life were given a chance to talk about issues that affect them. Some of these issues included high dropout levels in schools and poor quality of education, child and maternal health, children living on the streets, child abuse and non- participation of children.

In her speech Mrs. Shamenda said the government of the Republic of Zambia visualises a world that embraces all children regardless of the various backgrounds they may come from. “This year’s Universal Children’s Day theme ‘Treasure Our Children’ is a reminder to all to wake up to the challenges faced by children”, she said.

She further said government commends the relentless efforts that non- state actors put into implementation and amplification of the voice of children in national development.

Mrs Shamenda stated that the government, working through the ministries that promote child development and all development partners including civil society organisations will continue to work closely to improve the lives of Zambian children.

The 31^st President of the United States of America, Herbert Hoover once said “children are our most valuable resource.” Therefore, like this year’s Universal Children’s Day states, LET’S ALL TREASURE OUR CHILDREN... - The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES 2012 CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM MAPPING AND ASSESSMENT REPORT

By Chrispin Sinyangwe and Mwiza Zulu

The Ministry of Gender and Child Development has launched the Child Protection System Assessment and Mapping Report for 2012. The Minister of Gender and Child Development, Hon. Inonge Wina, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Child Development, Ms Edwidge K.M. Mutale and the UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Iyorlumun Uhaa were among the people present at the launch held at Taj Pamodzi Hotel on Tuesday, 30^th October 2012.

In her remarks to officially launch the report, Hon Wina said the report was  aimed at assisting government and various stakeholders working in the area of child development, come up with a user friendly child protection policy.

’’ The report is aimed at assisting government and various stakeholders working in the area of child development, come up with a user friendly child protection policy upon which child protection framework will be anchored’’, she said.

She said the launch of this report had come timely, as the nation was currently faced with ever increasing cases of child abuse and neglect.

Hon. Inonge Wina said the report will assist Zambia come up with an improved child protection system, providing a mechanism through which families, communities, institutions and the society at large will respond positively to address various instances of child right violation prevailing in our country.

She said, “as government, we are committed to ensuring that children are given the best possible start in life through the development of appropriate policies and programs”.

And speaking at the same event, UNICEF Country Representative, Dr Iyorlumun Uhaa  said children are the most important asset we have.  “When you read in the newspapers a 10 year old girl being defiled, children being trafficked, children being abused by those who are supposed to protect them’’ Dr Uhaa said.

‘’This is unacceptable, we cannot have a system were our most importance asset is being destroyed ’’, he lamented.

Dr Iyorlumun Uhaa said the significant weakness the report had shown was the inter sectoral collaboration not really being there. He said protecting the rights of child is not only a responsibility of the Ministry of Gender and Child Development but everyone’s responsibility.   

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Child Development added on saying, a sample of 18 districts of all provinces of Zambia were covered during the research and that various key stakeholders including the church, traditional leaders and children gave their views.      

The launch of the report is a milestone for many, especially those concerned about children’s welfare and people working with children in different parts of the country. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

48 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE, HOW MUCH HAVE WE ACHIEVED?

By Chrispin Sinyangwe

Education is the major benefactor to the development of any country. How equipped and developed it is, is essential for the sustainability of its education system. Zambia still faces difficulties in this sector. The lack of enough teachers, school materials, infrastructure and education malpractices continue to deteriorate the standards of education.

The Executive Director of Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) Grace Manyonga says Zambia’s education system is progressing, but a number of areas still face challenges. She expressed the fact that the pupil teacher ratio and pupil class ratio was unfair both in rural and urban areas.

She says access to education had increased but the quality had deteriorated with the growing demand of education. Ms Manyonga added on saying, rural areas lack enough teachers, which in turn leads to an unbalanced playing field for examination classes.

 She encouraged the move by the government to recruit 5000 teacher and emphasised that priority should be in rural areas. Ms Mayonga also expressed concern at the deplorable state in which schools in rural areas are in.

“As ZANEC we observed key sectors in education including early childhood education and adult learning which the government has pumped in fewer resources”, she says. Furthermore, Ms Manyonga said early childhood education is significant to the development of any child, and expressed happiness on the debate of early child centres being established in government school.

 “As the population increases there is need for more infrastructure to cater for early childhood and tertiary education ’she adds.

In conclusion Ms Manyonga says, “as we commemorate 48 years of independence it’s important that we examine what we have achieved in the education sector and strive to do more”.

And a 10 pupil from Libala High School who chose to remain anonymous expressed sadness at the poor education system in the country today. She said the lack of seriousness by teachers and the poor infrastructure were really affecting education for many children. She hopes the infrastructure improves following the budget allocation to education in the 2013 National Budget.  

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Media Network Child Rights Development (MNCRD) Mr Henry Kabwe says government has policies aimed at addressing the educational challenges faced by the country.

Mr Kabwe says policies like the educating our future policy focused on how Zambian children were going to help develop the education sector. “The land mark policy almost being adopted for early childhood, care development and education will see an increase in the number of institutions offering early childhood care and may also encourage people to establish more early learning institutions”, he said.

He went on to say that infrastructure is been built but what still remains addressing the lack of teachers.

 Furthermore, Mr Kabwe says examination malpractice has contributed to the slow development in the education sector and also having incompetent people occupying important positions and having them fail to deliver.

He expressed concern in the way rural areas were still lagging behind in terms of infrastructure develop. He says the infrastructure and distance between the people and the schools were still rather far. He says there is need to come up with a plan to bridge the gap between children in rural areas and those in urban areas. Mr Kabwe said it should not always be the case that people in rural areas want to come to town but that development should be taken to rural areas, allowing them to develop their areas.

Mr Kabwe urged the government to keep remembering their pledge and count on civil society organisations for support. He says civil society organisations are not here to fight government but we are here to supplement their efforts.

If Zambia is to uphold Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child which states that every child has a right to education, major strides have to be taken not only to uphold the article but also to improve the quality of education. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

IRRESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL AFFECTS CHILDREN

By Brian Phiri, Catherine Ngulube and Prudence Mutepuka

Irresponsible waste disposal has been on the rise in most urban cities of Zambia and children have not been spared by its effects. Many people in various parts of the country have complained that the councils have not been collecting garbage in town centres and townships on time and sometimes never at all.

“Many of our children tend to play on the dump sites as there are no recreation facilities and hence they end up contracting various diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea and bilharzias,” complains a concerned parent from Kanyama Compound. For some residents in highly populated areas, they feel the council tends to collect waste from high cost areas while neglecting the tonnes of waste that collect in their areas.  Due to uncollected garbage, scavengers have arisen to look for food and other items from the waste. Among those who scavenge are children who lack proper clothing hence are prone to many diseases.

The smell that these heaps of garbage produce especially during the wet season is unbearable Sometimes the garbage is washed away by the rain hence it is impossible to walk through the water that has been mixed the garbage as many water born diseases can be contracted.

Interviews with residents from named compounds around Lusaka revealed that people living in these areas feel neglected. They said they want the council to collect waste as they do in areas the residents call ‘Mayadi’, by collecting from house to house. They say that if this is done there will be no one to dump waste anyhow. Others including children said that the creation of dump sites which are not authorised by the council are due to the fact that the designated dumpsites are so full that when more garbage is dumped, the waste will overflow to the surrounding areas.

But the Lusaka City Council has a different opinion. Lusaka City Council Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Kapata, says the Council has provided designated places to dump the waste but the mindset of majority of residents has been accustomed to dumping of waste anyhow. Mr Kapata says residents tend to create their own dump areas in the process endangering the lives of their own children and afterwards complain bitterly and blame the Council for not collecting the waste which is in undesignated places.

Mr Kapata cited examples of places were garbage dumping has continued to occur illegally such as the ground behind Mahatma Ghandi Basic School in Mtendere Township. Some pupils of this school talked to, stated that during the rainy season the waste produces an unpleasant smell affecting concentration of children during class. The illegal dump site has also limited the play space for children on the school ground.

Mr Kapata argues that most residents are not ready and willing to pay for garbage disposal while they pay for water and electricity. This has been a major setback as the City Council has no finances to offer free garbage collection services.

According to Mr Kapata, irresponsible dumping of waste coupled with the rain water and debris block the drainages and results in flooding often times.

Despite the challenges being faced by the council due to continued lack of commitment by residents to proper waste disposal, they have continued to educate and inform them.  Mr Kapata says people should not throw or dispose the waste at wrong places, if caught they will be persecuted and charged. “The make Zambia clean and healthy campaign is still on and now is much more effective as anyone who is caught throwing any kind of litter anywhere will be charged or required to perform a duty that will promote cleanliness, “ he says. “And above all we’ll ensure that this knowledge of health is passed on mostly in schools and there the children will learn that ‘charity begins at home,” he adds. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

IRRESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL AFFECTS CHILDREN

By Brian Phiri, Catherine Ngulube and Prudence Mutepuka

Irresponsible waste disposal has been on the rise in most urban cities of Zambia and children have not been spared by its effects. Many people in various parts of the country have complained that the councils have not been collecting garbage in town centres and townships on time and sometimes never at all.

“Many of our children tend to play on the dump sites as there are no recreation facilities and hence they end up contracting various diseases such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhoea and bilharzias,” complains a concerned parent from Kanyama Compound. For some residents in highly populated areas, they feel the council tends to collect waste from high cost areas while neglecting the tonnes of waste that collect in their areas.  Due to uncollected garbage, scavengers have arisen to look for food and other items from the waste. Among those who scavenge are children who lack proper clothing hence are prone to many diseases.

The smell that these heaps of garbage produce especially during the wet season is unbearable Sometimes the garbage is washed away by the rain hence it is impossible to walk through the water that has been mixed the garbage as many water born diseases can be contracted.

Interviews with residents from named compounds around Lusaka revealed that people living in these areas feel neglected. They said they want the council to collect waste as they do in areas the residents call ‘Mayadi’, by collecting from house to house. They say that if this is done there will be no one to dump waste anyhow. Others including children said that the creation of dump sites which are not authorised by the council are due to the fact that the designated dumpsites are so full that when more garbage is dumped, the waste will overflow to the surrounding areas.

But the Lusaka City Council has a different opinion. Lusaka City Council Public Relations Officer, Mr Henry Kapata, says the Council has provided designated places to dump the waste but the mindset of majority of residents has been accustomed to dumping of waste anyhow. Mr Kapata says residents tend to create their own dump areas in the process endangering the lives of their own children and afterwards complain bitterly and blame the Council for not collecting the waste which is in undesignated places.

Mr Kapata cited examples of places were garbage dumping has continued to occur illegally such as the ground behind Mahatma Ghandi Basic School in Mtendere Township. Some pupils of this school talked to, stated that during the rainy season the waste produces an unpleasant smell affecting concentration of children during class. The illegal dump site has also limited the play space for children on the school ground.

Mr Kapata argues that most residents are not ready and willing to pay for garbage disposal while they pay for water and electricity. This has been a major setback as the City Council has no finances to offer free garbage collection services.

According to Mr Kapata, irresponsible dumping of waste coupled with the rain water and debris block the drainages and results in flooding often times.

Despite the challenges being faced by the council due to continued lack of commitment by residents to proper waste disposal, they have continued to educate and inform them.  Mr Kapata says people should not throw or dispose the waste at wrong places, if caught they will be persecuted and charged. “The make Zambia clean and healthy campaign is still on and now is much more effective as anyone who is caught throwing any kind of litter anywhere will be charged or required to perform a duty that will promote cleanliness, “ he says. “And above all we’ll ensure that this knowledge of health is passed on mostly in schools and there the children will learn that ‘charity begins at home,” he adds. The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.

ZAMBIA COMMEMORATES FIRST EVER INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

On Thursday 11^th October, 2012; Zambia joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, under the theme “ending child marriages in Zambia”. The day was commenced with a solidarity walk from the Lusaka Main Post Office to the Government Complex, where the day was celebrated.

The introduction of this day in the Zambian calendar could not have come at a better time as this when the girl child is evenly being violated. However, with the coming of this day: girls and organisations have been given an opportunity to raise public awareness on the different challenges being faced by the girl child. This year’s theme could not have come at a better time than now, when the issue of child marriages is proving to be of great concern to the nation.

Children are a key part of any society and as such their right to survival, protection and development cannot be over emphasized. The involvement of children (boys and girls) in the commemorations is a welcome move as this will help effectively address issues that affect the fulfilment of their rights. Child marriages is a violation of human rights, in Zambia child marriage rates are highly alarming. Child marriage in Zambia currently stands at 41.6 percent. Among married girls aged 15-18, 68 percent of these girls having already given birth.

Speaking during the commemorations of the International Day of the Girl Child, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Child Development Ms Edwigde Mutale said campaigns like these are very significant, because they make people aware of the negative things that happen to girls.

Ms Mutale outlined some of the measures government is taking to address early marriages and other negative challenges faced by the girl child. “The setting up of the Ministry Chiefs and Traditional Affairs will enable government work with chiefs in order to do away with the negative traditional practices which affect the girl child”, she said.

She further said that government has put in place measures to encourage girl child education in Zambia such as the low cut off point at grade 7, and the re-entry policy which provides the opportunity for girls to return to school and continue with their education after falling pregnant. She revealed that government is in the process of domesticating the Convention on Rights of the Child (CRC) and other international conventions which the government has signed and ratified.

However, the children have an appeal to government and other stakeholders on their welfare and rights. The children want government to put in place measures that will protect the girl child against early marriages, as it impacts negatively on their development. Bertha Phiri of Kabulonga Girls High School said government and other stakeholders should take up an active role in sensitizing parents on the negative effects of early marriages on the girl child.  “Government should also educate parents on the importance of girl child education and its immense benefits to the nation”, she said.

As the country commemorates this day, we must take into consideration challenges being faced by the girl child; there is need for the country to put across legislations pertaining to children to ensure children are protected from all forms of violence. This day signifies the need to put girls’ rights at the centre of the national agenda. As the saying goes “children are the building blocks of any nation” and as such it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure their rights are protected.

- The Children’s News Agency with support from European Union.