Strengthening Youth Leadership Through Volunteerism
Our Participation in the AU Volunteerism Capacity Strengthening Training
We were honoured to participate in the African Union’s Volunteerism Capacity Strengthening Training held in Lusaka from 18–19 November 2025. The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Mesh from the AU’s Women, Gender and Youth Directorate, convened members of VSI, VIONET Zambia, youth-led organisations, and our own YPDP representatives. This engagement formed an essential part of the AU’s ongoing Country Capacity Strengthening Support Programme in preparation for the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY 2026).
Throughout the training, the AU delegation unpacked key thematic areas including the AU’s mandate on volunteerism, the Continental Volunteer Linkage Platform, and the role of volunteerism in professional development and national youth employment strategies. The discussions also addressed how volunteerism supports decolonised and rights-based policy frameworks—an important step in ensuring inclusive, people-centred development across the continent.
With more than 70% of Zambia’s population under the age of 35, such knowledge is crucial. Equipping young people with the tools and understanding needed to engage in governance, leadership, and policy shaping is central to Zambia’s development trajectory.
Government partners including representatives from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts highlighted Zambia’s progress in promoting volunteerism through national policy frameworks. They also emphasized the need for stronger implementation and alignment with international standards as the country continues to invest in youth engagement.
As YPDP, we reaffirm our commitment to mainstreaming volunteerism within our programmes and championing its integration into Zambia’s national youth development agenda. Volunteerism has historically played a transformative role in Zambia from the liberation struggle to present-day community development initiatives. Today, it remains a powerful and cost-effective tool for leadership building, civic participation, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead to IVY 2026, we are excited to collaborate with national and continental partners to further strengthen youth leadership and reinforce the culture of volunteerism across Zambia.
