Government has called for more concerted efforts towards reducing the increase in the number of street children across Zambia.
And Development Aid from People to People, DAPP Zambia says the country cannot afford to neglect the dangers associated with an increase in street kids, including drug abuse, violence and a surge in criminal activities.
This came to light when Chibombo District Commissioner, Lloyd Kayeka officially launched a 1×2 Ablution Block built by DAPP Zambia in partnership with Stanbic Bank Zambia at DAPP Children’s Town in Chibombo district Thursday.
“This facility that Stanbic Bank is handing over to DAPP Children’s Town today is an important step towards providing our children here a better quality of life and hope as they strive to change the story of their lives. This is the value that comes when organizations, private sector players and government work together for the common good,” stated Mr. Kabesha.
Children’s Town is one of DAPP Zambia’s child-centred projects providing vocational, life and business skills to former street children as part of efforts to give them a chance to better their living conditions.
“…DAPP has demonstrated commitment to leave no one behind. The project has been removing children from the streets and giving them a chance to acquire skills in agriculture, metal fabrication and tailoring. This 2 years’ vocational skills initiative is leveling the playing ground for vulnerable youths to also thrive and contribute positively in society. We are happy to learn that a combined total of 56 children drawn from the streets of Lusaka, Ndola, Kabwe and Livingstone districts are currently pursuing their skills here,” stated Mr. Kabesha
The project also runs general curriculum classes from Reception to Grade 11 with over 560 children from the neighbouring communities learning at the school of Malambanyama.
Meanwhile, Stanbic Head of Business & Commercial Banking, Chanda Mwila said the contribution to the project falls under the Bank’s ‘education’ pillar, which is part of its wider Corporate Social Investment agenda.
“As Stanbic Bank, we were delighted to partner with DAPP Zambia in helping to contribute to this project by donating a sum of one hundred and fifty thousand Kwacha as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to construct this ablution block. Our partnership with DAPP Zambia was crucial and is testament to our commitment in raising the standard of education infrastructure in the area,” she stated.
And DAPP Deputy Programmes Director, Enock Mandiopera who represented the Managing Director, Elise Soerensen thanked Stanbic Bank for identifying with DAPP’s cause of fighting streetism with vocational skills as a tool for sustainable positive change.
“We cannot afford to neglect the danger that comes with the rise in the number of street children such as drug abuse, violence and other criminal activities. The future of our country depends on our youth. All they need is an opportunity to put their immense energy to good use. They need skills. Thank you to Stanbic Bank in addition many other local and international friends of the movement against streetism,” he added.
The ablution block houses a total of ten toilets, three urinals for boys, a combined six mirrors and hand basins respectively with both entrances having steps and ramps to ease entry for everyone.
