Building Future Leaders

Innovative Toolkit Equips Zambian Students to Drive Change

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (1-07-2025) - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the School and Junior Councils Advocates Toolkit—a groundbreaking guide designed to empower Zambia’s adolescents with practical leadership and advocacy skills.

More than just a manual, the toolkit serves as a powerful platform for young people to raise their voices, participate meaningfully in school governance, and drive positive change in their communities. 

It supports Zambia’s broader push to increase youth engagement in governance and development.

Developed through extensive consultations in Lusaka, Katete, and Kafue, the toolkit incorporates insights from teachers, District Education Boards, student and junior councils, CSPR, and UNICEF, ensuring it reflects real issues affecting learners across the country.

Lead consultant Dr. Aaron Chansa described the launch as a landmark moment for youth empowerment in Zambia.

“For years, young people lacked a structured resource to identify the issues affecting them and take informed action. This toolkit provides that guidance—it equips them with tested advocacy strategies to engage decision-makers and solve real problems,” he said.

Dr. Chansa added that the toolkit is also a mentorship tool, helping students build essential leadership and problem-solving skills.

“It’s a catalyst for civic engagement. It encourages schools and communities to create structured platforms where adolescents can participate in decision-making,” he noted.

Dr. Chansa has since urged the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Local Government to officially adopt the toolkit, saying its national rollout would enhance meaningful youth participation in local governance.

“I call on school managers and council secretaries to support this initiative by establishing vibrant student and junior councils across the country,” he said.

Bright Musonda, DEB Guidance and Counselling Coordinator for Lusaka, emphasized the role of school councils in nurturing responsibility and leadership among learners.

“These councils empower students to shape their school environment. They encourage participation, accountability, and respect for school rules,” Musonda said. “They also act as watchdogs—highlighting issues like poor sanitation and addressing them respectfully.”

Anita Manika, Junior Mayor of Lusaka, praised the toolkit as a powerful tool for youth empowerment.

“This resource gives us the confidence and knowledge to be agents of change. We’re grateful to CSPR and UNICEF for putting power in our hands and listening to our voices,” she said.

CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelebai expressed deep appreciation to UNICEF for its financial and technical support throughout the project. 

She also acknowledged the contributions of over 100 adolescents whose voices helped shape the toolkit.

“We are especially thankful to Dr. Chansa for leading the consultations and authoring this impactful resource,” Mukelebai said.

Using its broader Adolescent Advocacy Toolkit, CSPR has already trained more than 60 learners from Lusaka and Kafue, equipping them with practical skills in children’s rights and advocacy.

As the toolkit rolls out nationally, it promises to foster a new generation of informed, confident, and active young leaders committed to shaping their schools and communities for the better.