Youth Projects Development Platform - YPDP

We are proud to see young people taking part in important conversations that shape our communities. 🙌✨

At the provincial stakeholders' consultative meeting on the amended GBV Act, Community Youth Leader Faith Nasilele , represented young people’s voices of Luapula through the Margins to Leadership Project in Luapula Province. 🇿🇲

It was encouraging to see the progressive steps being taken particularly around strengthening victim protection, introducing fast-track courts ⚖️, establishing one-stop centers 🏥, and enhancing accountability among service providers. These reforms are critical in ensuring timely and effective support for survivors.

However, one key reflection stood out: the gap between policy and community awareness. ⚠️

While stakeholders are engaged and informed, many individuals at the grassroots level still lack knowledge about their rights and the services available to them. This highlights the urgent need for:

🔹 Increased community sensitization and awareness
🔹 Capacity building for frontline responders
🔹 Effective use of GBV response facilities and equipment

The meeting also reinforced the importance of youth participation in decision-making spaces. 🗣️ Platforms like these ensure that young people are not only beneficiaries but active contributors to shaping solutions in our communities.

As we move forward, our focus must remain on translating policy into real impact—ensuring that every individual understands their rights and can access the support they deserve. 🌍💡

European Union in Zambia

🚀 Call for Volunteers – Join Youth Projects Development Platform Zambia

The Youth Projects Development Platform (YPDP) Zambia is looking for passionate and driven volunteers to support our Programs and Communications teams. This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your skills, and be part of impactful youth-led initiatives that are shaping communities in Zambia.

This volunteer opportunity is unpaid, and we are looking for creative, self-motivated individuals who are open to learning and committed to contributing to the development of Zambia and Africa. Applicants with little or no work experience are encouraged to apply.

📌 How to Apply:
Please ensure your CV is uploaded using an accessible link (such as Google Drive or Dropbox). Copy the link and paste it in the section where it says “Upload your CV.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

🗓 Deadline: 20 April 2026

Apply here:
https://ypdpzambia.org/volunteer-opportunities

Congratulations to every one of you that participated.
On 6th March 2026, we successfully hosted a Debate Tournament at Milemu Secondary School in Ndola District, Copperbelt Province, under the theme “Democracy in Action: Every Voice Matters.” in partnership with Voice of the Future Organization, bringing together bright young minds from several secondary schools across the district.

The tournament created a platform for pupils to discuss important democratic issues, develop public speaking skills, and strengthen their confidence in expressing ideas. It was inspiring to watch the students engage passionately with topics that directly affect their future and their communities.

The pupils debated on;
• Social media does more good than harm to democracy.
• Voting should be mandatory for all citizens.
• Freedom of speech is the most important pillar of democracy.
• Young people should have a bigger role in decision-making in their communities.

Students from Lubuto Secondary School, Milemu Secondary School, Kansenshi Secondary School, Kansenshi Day Secondary School, Dambo Day Secondary School, Fatima Girls Secondary School, and Chifubu Secondary School participated in several rounds of debate. Throughout the competition, pupils demonstrated strong research, teamwork, and communication skills.

After careful evaluation by the judges, Kansenshi Secondary School emerged as the winner, while Chifubu Secondary School finished as the runner-up.

it was impressive to see how knowledgeable and confident the pupils were during the debates. Many students showed strong awareness of current issues, particularly those related to social media and democratic participation. we were amazed by how young people today are increasingly exposed to information through both education and digital platforms, which helps them better understand issues affecting society.