By Monica Kayombo/Zambi, Lusaka,
YOUTH Organizations, Government institutions, faith-based groups and community stakeholders are joining forces in a campaign aimed at promoting a drug-free and cleaner Lusaka through community action and public awareness.
The initiative, dubbed “Zambia Youth Revolution for Sustainability: Clean Up, Crime Down-Drug Free Lusaka Initiative,” is being spearheaded by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Zambia Branch, the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG), the Youth Empowerment and Peacebuilding Working Group (YEPW), and Zion Christian Mission Center (ZCM).
The event being held in Mandevu, along the route from Ngombe Clinic to New Ngombe Market.
The Organizers says the campaign seeks to address rising concerns over drug abuse, crime and environmental neglect by encouraging young people to take an active role in improving their communities. Drawing on the “Broken Windows Theory,” the initiative promotes environmental cleanliness as a way of discouraging crime and fostering safer neighbourhoods.
The campaign is being conducted in partnership with the Department of National Guidance and Religious Affairs, Lusaka City Council’s Department of Public Health, the Lusaka Integrated Solid Waste Management Company, Mental Health and Anti-Drug Awareness, and the Zambia Interfaith Networking Group.
Activities include drug prevention education, motivational messages from religious leaders and a community cleanup exercise scheduled from 10:00 hours to 12:00 hours. Organizers believe the programme will help strengthen community safety, promote peace and empower young people to become agents of positive change.
The HWPL Zambia says it has been conducting similar “Clean Up, Crime Down” campaigns across Lusaka since last year, including activities in Kanyama and Kabwata. Building on these experiences, the organisation plans to expand monthly youth-led cleanup and peacebuilding initiatives to all 38 wards of Lusaka.
According to the organisers, the initiative demonstrates how collaboration among youth groups, government agencies, faith communities and civil society can contribute to addressing social challenges while promoting a culture of peace and community responsibility.
