Central Province Minister Mwabashike Nkulukusa has paid tribute to ChildFund for partnering with the Government in the distribution of Education and Baby Care Kits.
Speaking during the launch in Chibombo District, Mr Nkulukusa mentioned that the kits would address some of the immediate needs faced by families in rural and underserved areas.
“The Government has prioritized access to quality education for all children, believing that it is through education that poverty can be eradicated, communities empowered, and economic growth driven,” he said.
The Minister, however, acknowledged the barriers many families faced, from inadequate reading materials to the high costs of basic necessities.
He welcomed the initiative by ChildFund Zambia as an intervention that would bridge some of these gaps, ensuring that children had the tools they needed to succeed in school.
“Equally important is the provision of baby care kits, which would support new mothers and their infants,” he said.
Mr Nkulukusa said early childhood development began with good health and proper care.
“By providing essential items such as diapers, blankets, and hygiene products, these kits would promote the wellbeing of the youngest citizens and ease the burden on mothers, many of whom faced significant financial challenges. The launch also underscores the power of partnerships,” he said.
The Central Province Minister called upon all stakeholders—from government agencies to traditional leaders, civil society, and private sector players—to join hands in creating an environment where every child could thrive.
Mr Nkulukusa assured that the Government would continue to work closely with organizations like ChildFund Zambia to ensure that policies and programs aligned with the needs of the people.
The Minister acknowledged ChildFund Zambia’s efforts, looking forward to seeing the positive impact of the initiative and encouraging them to expand their reach to benefit even more communities.
Meanwhile, ChildFund Zambia Country Director Simba Machingaidze said the flag-off of educational and baby care kits was a collaborative effort by ChildFund Zambia, its partners, and the Ministry of Education and Health.
In a speech read on his behalf by ChildFund Zambia Director Programs and Sponsorship Mercy Chabu Ngoma, Mr. Machingaidze stated that the event signified a crucial step forward in their mission to uplift the most vulnerable members of their communities.
The ChildFund Zambia Country Director said the launch of the consignment was of immense value—both in monetary terms and, more importantly, in its potential to transform lives.
He said the consignment included 6,220 baby care kits valued at $128,705 and 15,030 educational kits valued at $95,139, with a total consignment value of $223,845.
“These resources would directly benefit over 15,000 vulnerable children enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) centres and lower primary schools across 12 districts in Lusaka and Central Provinces,” he said.
Mr Machingaidze highlighted that this initiative underscored their commitment to ensuring that no child was left behind in their journey towards education and better health.
He noted that the launch and flag-off marked the beginning of an initiative designed to make a tangible difference.
Mr Machingaidze explained that these kits would empower pregnant women and mothers of under-five children with essential items and knowledge, reinforcing the importance of accessing health services.
“Through community sensitization, health facilities, and schools, the initiative would help embed the understanding that early childhood education and healthcare were cornerstones of a thriving society,” he said.
This is contained in a statement issued by ChildFund Zambia Communications Specialist Priscilla Chama-Mpengula.
