ChildFund joined young people and partners in Mumbwa District today to commemorate the Youth Day of Service, celebrating the remarkable power of youth to effect positive change in their communities. The event, held under the global theme “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” brought together hundreds of young people for a day of community action, civic engagement, and inspiration.

The colorful commemoration featured various youth-led initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. Activities included a community clean-up exercise, tree planting, and a climate innovation showcase. The event also featured a performance by popular Zambian musician Dalisto, (Mwana wamukomboni) who used his platform to inspire and challenge the youth.
“Young people, you have the power to shape the Zambia you want,” said Dalisto in his address. “Don’t wait for permission to make a difference. Start with what you have, where you are. Use your creativity to build something meaningful and lasting for your communities.”

ChildFund Zambia Country Director Simba Machingaidze emphasized the importance of recognizing youth as key drivers of development.
“Youth Day of Service is a powerful call to action,” said Mr. Machingaidze. “Africa is the youngest continent, and Zambia’s youth make up over a third of our population. Their voices, their innovation, and their resilience are central to achieving sustainable development. But for this to happen, we must create enabling environments that allow them to thrive.”

He added that the potential of Zambia’s youth cannot be overstated, especially in addressing complex challenges like climate change, unemployment, and social inequality.
“The energy we witnessed today in Mumbwa is a clear reminder that when young people are supported with the right tools and platforms, they will lead the way in transforming their communities. Youth service must not be limited to one day—it should be a year-round commitment,” he said.

The event was held in partnership with Leap Africa, Dow, and local district partners under the broader objective of equipping youth with green skills and entrepreneurial competencies.

Mumbwa Federation Manager Gracious Nkeete echoed the importance of youth empowerment through practical service.“What we are seeing today is a reflection of what is possible when young people are given the space to lead,” said Nkeete. “Youth in Mumbwa are proving that they are not waiting to be handed a future, they are creating it themselves, through environmental action, innovation, and community leadership.”

The Youth Day of Service provides a platform to amplify youth voices in civic engagement, governance, and policy advocacy. It also serves as a reminder of the need for reimagined education systems that nurture entrepreneurship and practical skills for sustainable livelihoods. Over 800 trees were planted by the youth during the commemoration