When youth potential meets opportunity, transformation happens

Youth aged 18 to 35 make up over a third of Zambia’s population, yet many face significant socio-economic challenges, including unemployment, limited education, poverty, lack of financial support, health issues, and social instability. These barriers hinder their ability to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.

To address this, ChildFund implements targeted programs that equip young people with essential skills and resources. Our programs for youth promote life skills, employability, and entrepreneurship. In partnership with local organizations, the private sector, and government agencies, we provide vocational training, mentorship, financial literacy, and access to startup capital, especially in rural and underserved areas. These efforts help youth enter the workforce and become agents of positive change in their communities.

Our Impact

5,836

adolescents in 31 communities trained to deliver life skills and health education messages at both community and health facility levels.

28,031

adolescents and youth accessed health services through ChildFund-supported health facilities and outreach programs.

60

students received tuition support for tertiary education, while 120 others were linked to government support through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

32

young people connected to markets, finance, inputs, and business opportunities.

1,199

youth and caregivers accessed entrepreneurship and employment opportunities

12

youth groups supported to develop business proposals for funding from government and other potential funders.

Facts and figures from 2024 data.

Our Approach

ChildFund’s youth programs take a holistic approach to support young people as they transition into healthy, productive adulthood. We expand opportunities for stable income through entrepreneurship and vocational training, helping youth build sustainable livelihoods.

At the same time, we improve access to adolescent reproductive health services and equip young people with essential life skills for personal growth and informed decision-making. We also promote meaningful youth participation in community life, encouraging civic engagement and involvement in development initiatives within safe, inclusive spaces where they feel valued, supported and heard.

In today’s fast-changing job market, young people need both technical and soft skills to find work and build lasting careers. ChildFund partners with the private sector to provide vocational and entrepreneurial training that gives youth hands-on experience and insights into what employers want.

Featured Projects:

The Nurses and Life Skills Training Program: ChildFund, in collaboration with The Mastercard Foundation and Amref Health Africa, implemented the Zambia Nurse and Life Skills Training Program to address the country's critical shortage of healthcare professionals. With a $7.6 million investment, the initiative trained over 6,000 Zambian youth as nurses and midwives over five years through an innovative e-learning platform. Additionally, 1,631 financially disadvantaged youths were granted full or partial scholarships, enhancing access to education for marginalized communities.

Learn More:

- ChildFund, in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation, launches nurse-training program for Zambian youth.
- Zambia embraces technology to increase health worker numbers.

Ready to Work Project: In partnership with ABSA Bank, ChildFund implemented the Ready to Work Project, which equipped over 10,000 young people with skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and business development. This training helped youth smoothly transition into jobs or launch their own businesses. Building on this success, ChildFund plans to expand the program to reach school leavers, community savings groups, and other youth groups, opening more doors to employment and entrepreneurship.

Learn More:

- I Realized I Could Be My Own Boss”: Young Entrepreneurs Blossom in Zambia.

Youth Skills Centre Project in Luangwa District: ChildFund Zambia, in partnership with Luangwa Child Development Agency and with support from ChildFund New Zealand, is currently constructing the Youth Skills Centre in Luangwa. As the first facility of its kind in the district, the centre will provide vocational training and life skills to empower young people and support them in building sustainable livelihoods. Learn more.

We work closely with youth to design programs that help them lead environmental action in their communities and at the national level. Through hands-on projects, advocacy, and innovation, young people develop skills to address these challenges and influence policies that affect their future.

Our approach puts youth at the center, ensuring they play a meaningful role in shaping and carrying out sustainable solutions. We partner with local organizations and align with global efforts focused on education on environmental conservation and youth-led environmental initiatives. Learn more.

Featured Project:

Resilience and Adaptation Project: As environmental shocks like droughts intensify, young people in Kafue, Chongwe, Mumbwa, Shibuyunji, and Luangwa districts are taking the lead in building environmental resilience. Through the Youth-Led Resilience and Adaptation Project, supported by ChildFund and LEAP Africa and Dow, youth mobilized 160,000 peers and community members to promote environmental care and sustainable living. A total of 405 youth were trained as environmental champions, equipping them with hands-on skills in tree planting, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable land use. These young leaders spearheaded the planting of trees in schools, homes, and public spaces, driving action and inspiring change across their communities.

ChildFund’s livelihood programs equip young people with the skills, resources, and financial tools they need for sustainable livelihoods. We help individuals and strengthen youth-led groups and systems at every level through:

Entrepreneurship Support: Helping young entrepreneurs access funding and mentorship through Youth Development Funds and related initiatives.
Skills Training: Providing agricultural and business training to increase youth income and job readiness.
Agricultural Innovation: Promoting smart agricultural practices and cooperative producer groups to boost productivity and market access.
Financial Inclusion: Supporting savings groups and microfinance programs to build financial stability and literacy.
Policy Advocacy: Working with governments to promote policies that expand economic opportunities for youth.

Youth involvement in advocacy and policy-making shapes policies that reflect their needs. Participation builds personal, social, and political skills, enabling youth to influence decisions at county, national, and global levels.

ChildFund drives youth advocacy focused on child protection, education, economic empowerment, and human rights. These programs amplify youth voices and push for policies benefiting young people across Zambia. Key efforts include child and youth clubs that educate young people about their rights and provide platforms for raising their concerns.

Featured Project

From Crisis to Care: How Youth Are Filling Zambia’s Nursing Gap

In 2017, Zambia faced a severe health workforce crisis—only one nurse for every 1,500 people, more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1 to 700. With thousands of lives depending on stronger healthcare delivery, action couldn’t wait.

ChildFund, with funding from The MasterCard Foundation and in collaboration with AMREF, launched the $7.6 million Zambia Nurse and Life Skills Training Program—an ambitious e-learning initiative designed to scale up the country’s nursing workforce. Over 6,600 young people, including 6,000 core nursing trainees, were equipped with both clinical and life skills, helping them qualify as nurses and midwives ready to serve in communities that need them most.

These young professionals are now on the frontlines, delivering babies, saving lives, and strengthening healthcare from the ground up. Meet one of the young graduates from this program.