Fostering Generosity
…. Giving Tuesday Zambia and ZGF Join Forces to Enhance Community Well-being and Advocate for Gein Chainda Ward
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, August 27 – 08 – 2024) — In a heartfelt initiative aimed at uplifting local communities, Giving Tuesday Zambia, in collaboration with the Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF), hosted a significant event in Chainda Ward, Lusaka, today.
The gathering sought to foster a culture of generosity and encourage residents to participate in philanthropic efforts while addressing pressing community needs.
The event was marked by a lively and engaging atmosphere, with residents actively participating in various activities.
Families, community leaders, and volunteers came together, demonstrating a strong sense of solidarity.
Elderly residents received hampers with gratitude, and the communal meal provided an opportunity for attendees to share stories and build connections, reinforcing community bonds.
Malingose Salala, Country Lead for Giving Tuesday Zambia, highlighted the event’s goal to promote a culture of giving.
“Our objective is to cultivate a spirit of generosity in Zambia,” Salala said.
She presented the Generosity Report for Chainda, which noted that while 75% of Zambians engage in giving, only 10% volunteer more than 20 hours a month. The report showed that most volunteer efforts focus on poverty alleviation (60%), with smaller contributions directed towards health (18%), environmental issues (13.6%), and education (7%).
Salala proposed initiatives to enhance community support, such as professional coaching for local sports teams and literacy classes led by retired teachers.
The event also included the distribution of hampers to elderly residents and a communal meal aimed at illustrating acts of generosity and reinforcing community ties.
Attendees’ enthusiasm highlighted the impact of such efforts in building unity and support.
Salala also mentioned recent contributions by Giving Tuesday Zambia, including boreholes for clean drinking water, hygiene packs to improve school attendance among young women, and donations of footballs, school supplies, and food hampers.
“These initiatives showcase the positive effects of local giving,” Salala remarked, emphasizing the need to connect donors with meaningful causes.
Munali Member of Parliament Mike Mposha addressed the audience, highlighting key issues in Chainda, such as poor infrastructure, inadequate sanitation, limited clean water, high unemployment, and restricted access to education and healthcare.
Mposha announced that Giving Tuesday Zambia and ZGF will focus on supporting local schools, healthcare, and small businesses to create job opportunities and improve living conditions.
He also discussed substance abuse among youth, attributing it to community insecurity.
Mposha shared ongoing discussions with the Inspector General of Police to implement safety measures and warned against engaging with drug dealers and illicit alcohol suppliers.
Engwase Mwale, Executive Director of ZGF, called for a renewed commitment to local support systems, noting the impact of modernization on traditional family structures.
“We must reinforce our internal support mechanisms and community cohesion,” Mwale said. She also mentioned efforts to build international partnerships, including with China, to support community development.
He called for greater generosity, encouraging community members to participate in local initiatives through both financial contributions and voluntary efforts.
The day’s activities underscored a shared commitment to enhancing community well-being and solidarity.