Siavonga, Zambia – 22 June 2026

The Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) is participating in the Orientation Workshop for the National Coordinating Committee for Children (NCCC), organized by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) from 22 to 23 June 2026 at Savee Beach Resort in Siavonga District.

The workshop follows the official unveiling of the National Coordinating Committee for Children by the Honourable Minister of Community Development and Social Services earlier this year and is aimed at operationalizing the Committee and strengthening its effectiveness in coordinating child protection and child development interventions across Zambia

The orientation has brought together committee members, government ministries and agencies, cooperating partners, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders to enhance their understanding of the committee’s mandate and operational framework.

Key discussions during the workshop focus on the legal and policy framework governing child welfare and protection in Zambia, the roles and responsibilities of institutions involved in child development, online child protection, state party reporting obligations, and the operational procedures of the NCCC.

The workshop also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to review work planning processes, reporting mechanisms, and collaborative approaches to addressing emerging child protection issues affecting children across the country.

Representing ZCEA, Mr. Paul Samboko is actively participating in the discussions and sharing the organization’s experience in child rights education, child participation, social accountability, and community-based child protection programming.

As a member of the National Coordinating Committee for Children, ZCEA recognizes the importance of coordinated and multi-sectoral approaches in addressing issues affecting children. The Association remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen children’s rights, promote meaningful child participation in decision-making processes, and improve the well-being of children throughout Zambia.

ZCEA looks forward to continued collaboration with the government, development partners, and civil society organizations in advancing a child-friendly Zambia where every child is protected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.

June 9, 2026

Children from all 10 provinces of Zambia convened at the National Assembly of Zambia for the National Children’s Parliament under the Participation First! Children’s Voices Matter Project and the Child Rights Education Project (CREP), implemented by the Zambia Civic Education Association (ZCEA) in partnership with key stakeholders.

The young parliamentarians debated the motion:

“That this House urges the Government to strengthen child protection mechanisms to protect children from child labour, early marriages, and all forms of child abuse.”

Drawing on their lived experiences and the challenges children face in their communities, the young delegates engaged with government ministries and stakeholders on key child protection issues. Their contributions highlighted the need for stronger prevention, reporting, and response systems to protect children from violence, exploitation, abuse, and harmful practices.

The National Children’s Parliament reaffirmed the importance of meaningful child participation by providing a platform for children to influence policies and decisions that affect their lives. The event demonstrated that when children are given safe and inclusive spaces to participate, they contribute valuable insights and practical solutions to some of the most pressing challenges affecting their lives.

ZCEA was part of the National Child Rights Forum (NCRF) that spearheaded the development of a proposal to Save the Children International. The organization was identified as a technical partner by SCI and is therefore implementing interventions under Public Budgeting for Children’s Rights Thematic Area of the NCRF Programming.

ZCEA coordinated a meeting on the preparation of the report to be submitted to the African Committee of Experts on the Welfare and Rights of the Child.

 Through the CFCAD Project Officer ZCEA participated in the review of the Constitution stakeholder’s consultative meetings organized by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ).

Through the Legal Assistant, ZCEA participated in the ‘Bring back the girl child to school’ road show organized by ZANEC in Muchinga province.

Through the CFCAD Project Officer ZCEA participated in the integration of electoral content in the school curriculum from Early Childhood Education to Tertiary level and the development of supplementary materials on the electoral systems in Zambia.