Child caregivers from Central, Copperbelt, Northwestern and Luapula provinces, have successfully undergone training in matters of child safeguarding, aimed at sealing loopholes that negatively affect the protection and promotion of children’s rights.

Speaking when she opened the child safeguarding training of trainers workshop in Chilanga district, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Director for Child, Ms, Beatrice Muyambango, said Government remains committed and resolved to ensuring the promotion and protection of the rights of children in Zambia.

She observed that the commitment can be seen through the domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), enactment of the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, and development of various child protection related policies and frameworks.

Ms. Muyambango therefore said the training is a huge milestone in actualizing Child Safeguarding as provided for in the Children’s Code Act, and the Child Safeguarding Framework.

She said these legal and policy instruments aim to protect children in all settings and create an environment where they can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.

She emphasized that Government through the Ministry, also aims to create a culture of safety, trust, and respect for children and ensuring they can grow and thrive in a secure environment free from harm, abuse and exploitation.

Ms. Muyambango reminded the trainees that they are now ambassadors of Child Safeguarding and should therefore aspire to do their best and be innovative as they implement various programmes that are centred on Child Safeguarding.