Zambia: Support for Poverty Reduction in Zambia (SPRIZ) recently organized the WEPROSPER School Competition. The event was hosted at Chipangali District in collaboration with support from the Japan Tobacco International (JTI).
The officials have shared that the students were given the opportunity to showcase their talent and knowledge. The debate competition which was held at Saint Margaret’s Girls Secondary School.
Students from four Secondary and four Primary schools that participated in the Grand Finale Competition. The competition began at cluster level attracting a total of 39 schools which competed at primary and secondary level.
Chipangali District Commissioner Paul Sakala delivered a brief address at the event, reflecting on the importance of the competition. He said the WEPROSPER School Competition is a reminder to all stakeholders that the fight against the advent of Child Labour is a fight for all.
Sakala said the platform is key for the children to share information, experiences and learn from each other. The competition that has been a platform for students to discuss their actions concerning Children’s Rights and Child Labour.
Child labour is a societal vice which the administration is working on making sure that the children are not forced into earning a living and can comfortably get access to education. The competition was a way to sensitize the students about the issue and inspire action from the children.
“The competition is a commitment to give a safe and healthy environment to our learners, a commitment to give education to children and above all a commitment to respect their rights,” Mr Sakala said.
Meanwhile, the Chipangali District Education Board Secretary Wiseman Phiri thanked the sponsors for taking the lead in addressing Child Labour within the District through WEPROSPER School Competitions.
Phiri said it is saddening to learn that the scourge continues to rob many children of their rights to education, health and play.
“In other words, Child Labour robs our children of a happy and productive childhood in addition to robbing the nation of future leaders,” Mr Phiri said.