Restless Development Zambia

As we commemorate the Day of the African Child, this year’s theme is a powerful reminder: we must keep pushing to build stronger communities where every child can thrive.

No child should miss school because of dirty water or lack of toilets. No child should grow up without proper sanitation. Clean water and hygiene are basic rights, not privileges.

Do you know that the Electoral Commission of Zambia has trained Voter Education Facilitators, and they are already in all communities educating everyone on elections and voting. Don’t miss out!

We recently wrapped up an impactful training for eight passionate young people selected as members of the Youth Advisory Structure (YAS) under the SHE SOARS project. These youth were drawn from eight health facilities: Katondo, Kamlaza, Kasenengwa, Kwenje, Mtenguleni, Madzimawe, Kawawa, and Chiparamba.

The training focused on empowering adolescents and young people to actively participate in decision-making processes around adolescent health and wellbeing. Participants gained essential knowledge and skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), leadership, advocacy, communication, and effective engagement with health facilities.

“Before this training, I did not fully understand how I could contribute to improving services for young people. I am now confident to engage health workers and represent the concerns of adolescents in my community.”- Hendrix, YAS Member

By the end of the training, the YAS members developed action plans to tackle challenges affecting young people, strengthen adolescent engagement, and collaborate with health workers to deliver more responsive and adolescent-friendly services. The results are already showing: increased confidence and a strong commitment to amplifying the voices of adolescents in their communities!

Over 800 young people were reached with information on drug abuse, sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual health, and life skills during the Sports for Health Community Tournament and Roadshow at Wesley Nyirenda Combined School Grounds in Kitwe and National Square in Serenje under the UNESCO Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Project.

The activity engaged 20 primary and secondary schools, learners, teachers, government departments, civil society, and media partners through football tournaments, drama performances, music, interactive sessions, on-site health booths, and a live outdoor radio broadcast by Serenje Radio in Serenje and Flava FM in Kitwe.

These platforms enabled meaningful discussions on prevention of early and unintended pregnancies, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, school-related gender-based violence, safeguarding, substance abuse prevention, and school retention.

The Serenje District Education Board Secretary, Mr Kelly Kapanga, stressed that young people learn and discuss sensitive topics more openly when they are in safe, interactive environments, and that such games are places where young people can learn from each other and professionals. Meanwhile, the Copperbelt Senior Education Office- Guidance, Counselling and Administration, Dr. Rev. Sikute-Chitindi, urged the community to become active and support the growth of the children.

The activities successfully strengthened linkages between schools, communities, and health service providers while maintaining strong safeguarding standards. One of the learners, Jameson Lusaka, shared his key takeaway: “Drugs are not good for our mental and physical health.”

💰 Funding opportunity alert: Applications are now open for grants up to EUR 10,000!

🧩 Youth-led organizations and groups can now apply for the Youth Voices Third-Party Funding Mechanism under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab - Power of the Collective.

This funding opportunity supports youth-led initiatives working to amplify the voices of hard-to-reach young people, strengthen advocacy, and contribute to more inclusive decision-making across Africa and Europe.

ℹ️ Eligibility criteria and terms apply. Before applying, we suggest that you read the Funding Manual.

If your organization is working with young people and communities whose voices need to be heard, this is your opportunity to take action!

📅 Deadline: 29 June 2026, 23:59 EAT
🔗 Read more and apply in English, French, or Arabic: https://bio.aueuyouthvoiceslab.eu/grantsapplication2026

📢 Share this post to spread the word!

AU-EU Youth Lab

🌍Happy World Environment Day! 🍃

Today we celebrate our planet and the young changemakers protecting it. At Restless Development, we stand with youth leading climate action and building a greener future.

Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future

We want to extend our sincere appreciation to our drivers for supporting our work across Zambia.

Their role is essential in reaching communities located in some of the most remote and challenging areas. Through their commitment and resilience, our programs reach young people.

Their contributions exemplify resilience and service, embodying the spirit that drives our organisation forward. We are grateful for their efforts that enable us to make a meaningful impact across Zambia.