Empowering Adolescents In Zambia Through Partnerships
By Agatha Mali, Communications Officer, Zambia
Adolescence is a defining chapter in life, a time of discovery, growth, and dreams. Yet, for many young people, this journey is clouded by challenges that limit their potential. Through our life skills empowerment initiative, World Vision is changing that narrative. By equipping adolescents with knowledge, confidence, and a safe environment, World Vision Zambia, through the Child Protection and Participation Technical programme, is ensuring the young people are not only protected but also empowered to make informed choices.
To cement this, World Vision Zambia and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia have joined forces in a groundbreaking partnership to empower and protect young people across the country. Through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the two organisations commit to equipping adolescents with essential life skills, fostering resilience, and creating safe spaces where they can thrive.
At the MoU signing ceremony, the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards Zambia Board Member, Ms Rita Milner, said the partnership with World Vision Zambia matters because institute’s mission is to it is to give young people aged between 14 to 24 years, a structured pathway to discover who they are, what they can become, and how they can contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Ms Milner said World Vision Zambia's mission to transform the lives of children and communities by addressing the root causes of poverty and injustice, perfectly resonates with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award's mission
“That is why today's partnership is not just logical, it is powerful. It brings together two organisations with complementary strengths and a shared conviction that when young people thrive, communities thrive, and nations prosper,” she said.
She added, “together we will reach young people in rural, peri-urban, urban and underserved Communities, young people whose talents are abundant but whose chances have often been limited and deserve access to opportunities that build their confidence, skills, and leadership abilities.”
At the same ceremony, World Vision Zambia’s Resource Acquisition and Communications Director, Ms. Pennia Mavedzenge, delivered a speech on behalf of the National Director.
She stated that the award framework is globally recognised for its transformative power, developing character, leadership, service, and confidence in young people.
“By joining forces, we bring this world-class opportunity closer to the youth in our communities, including those in rural, marginalised, and resource-constrained contexts who would otherwise never access such platforms,” she said.
She said through this MoU, World Vision commit to expanding access to meaningful non-formal education for thousands of young people aged 14 to 24, equipping them with transferable skills, self-discipline, purpose, and a sense of service to their communities, investing in mentors and facilitators to guide their journey, and strengthening community support structures so that youth development becomes a sustained movement rather than a one-time event.
This collaboration will ensure that young people are not only shielded from harm but also meaningfully engaged in shaping their futures, unlocking opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and community impact.