Raising Responsible Youth

... Bishop Mfula says building a Stronger Nation Through Youth Empowerment is a collective responsibility of all citizens

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia – (12-03-2025) - Bishop Billy Mfula, Patron of the World Changers Youth Movement, has urged the government to establish stronger mechanisms to help young people resist negative societal pressures that often derail their potential.

Speaking at the National Youth Day celebrations in Lusaka, which were held under the theme “Raising Responsible Youth” and the national theme “Voices Amplified and Innovations Ignited,” Bishop Mfula emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and moral guidance in shaping the future of the nation.

“We must equip our youth with the right mindset to make informed choices and to act in ways that benefit themselves and the nation,” he said.

Bishop Mfula highlighted the growing struggles young people face today, including peer pressure, drug abuse, and the negative influence of social media.

He warned that without proper guidance, many youths fall into destructive behaviors, making it difficult for them to reach their full potential.

“Many young people are lost because they lack the right guidance and mentorship. We need to establish programs that will teach discipline, resilience, and self-worth,” he stated.

The bishop expressed concern over the widening gap between youth and elders, which he attributed to busy lifestyles and over-reliance on digital communication.

He called on parents, guardians, and community leaders to play a more active role in the lives of young people.

“We must break the silence on important topics such as sexuality, education, and marriage to help our youth avoid being misled,” he said.

Bishop Mfula also called for the creation of more dialogue platforms where young people can openly discuss their challenges.

He urged churches, families, and schools to work together to provide mentorship programs and career guidance to help youth navigate their futures successfully.

“Through these conversations, we can help young people understand the realities of life and the importance of making informed decisions,” he added.

He further raised concerns over the lack of educational resources, particularly the absence of libraries and research facilities in many communities.

He stressed that investing in research and innovation would enable young people to remain competitive in an evolving global economy.

“For Zambia to progress, we need to invest in the intellectual and creative development of our youth,” he emphasized.

Adding to Bishop Mfula’s message, Steve Ndubene, the Scripture Union Lusaka Coordinator, commended the government’s implementation of free education, saying it had made a significant impact on youth empowerment efforts. 

He noted that increased access to education aligns with Scripture Union’s mission to guide and mentor young people.

“Free education has created opportunities for young people to learn and develop, but we must ensure they also receive the moral and spiritual guidance necessary to succeed in life,” Ndubene said.

He pointed out that lack of discipline and guidance is a major issue affecting young people today, with many staying out late without parental supervision.

He urged parents to re-engage with their children and support initiatives like Scripture Union and World Changers Movement.

“We must raise young people with integrity—youth who understand their responsibilities and resist abuse and exploitation,” he emphasized.

Ndubene emphasized the importance of discipline, stating that while modern human rights laws discourage harsh punishment, African societies should still uphold traditional values of respect, responsibility, and accountability.

“Discipline should not just be about punishment but about teaching responsibility and accountability,” he stated.

He further called for stronger involvement from schools and churches, arguing that teachers and church leaders should have the authority to guide and correct young people responsibly.

“If parents are too busy, schools and churches must step in to ensure our young people are growing in the right direction,” he said.

Students from Nelson Mandela Secondary School, Daniel Mujajati and Chewe Gift, shared their perspectives on abstinence, highlighting its role in personal discipline and spiritual growth.

Mujajati described abstinence as a tool for self-development, explaining that it is not just about avoiding certain behaviors but about making conscious decisions to live a purposeful life.

“Abstinence is not just about saying ‘no’ but about choosing a better way to live. It helps us develop self-control, which is key to success in all areas of life,” he said.

He also addressed misconceptions about abstinence, noting that many people misunderstand the concept, associating it only with restrictions rather than seeing its positive impact.

Chewe Gift reflected on her personal experiences, emphasizing how Scripture Union had taught her about self-control, respect, and resisting negative influences.

“By choosing abstinence, we show respect for ourselves, our families, and our future,” she said.

She further stressed the importance of youth education on responsible decision-making, arguing that young people must be given the tools and knowledge to navigate life’s challenges effectively.

The National Youth Day event reinforced the need for stronger youth support systems to address moral, social, and economic challenges.

Bishop Mfula, Steve Ndubene, and the students all emphasized the role of discipline, guidance, and community involvement in shaping responsible young people.

As Zambia moves forward, it is crucial for parents, schools, churches, and the government to work together to instill positive values and create opportunities for youth development.