Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 26th March, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
A delegation of 30 children from the districts of Rufunsa, Chongwe, and Kafue — represented by Mudasana Dorothy Ngoma, Joy Kapalu, and Chimwemwe Mwanza of Katoba Secondary School in Chongwe — met with the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, this morning. The purpose of the meeting was to present an urgent petition highlighting the severe impacts of climate change on hunger and malnutrition in Zambia.
Speaking on behalf of the group, young advocate Mudasana Dorothy Ngoma expressed gratitude to the Minister for his time and for the New Dawn government’s efforts through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). While the children appreciated the support and education received during a recent climate training session in Kabwe, they voiced concern over the continued absence of children’s voices in climate policy development.
The petitioners cited a recent World Vision study revealing that only 22% of countries in Southern Africa address child hunger in climate strategies, and a mere 11% involve children in climate policy-making processes. The young advocates called on Zambia to set itself apart by making child participation central to its climate agenda.
Their key requests included:
- Increased child participation in climate policy consultations and reporting processes.
- Opportunities for children to attend international climate conferences and platforms.
- The introduction of mandatory climate change education in school curricula.
- Support for child and youth networks to monitor climate policy implementation at community level.
The young advocates emphasized that climate change is exacerbating hunger, malnutrition, and educational disruption. “We want to survive, learn, and thrive — and we are ready to be part of the solution,” Ngoma declared on behalf of the group.
The delegation was accompanied by Sam Tembo, Technical Program Manager – Livelihoods at World Vision Zambia, and teachers from Katoba Secondary School.
In his response, Hon. Mike Mposha commended the children for their leadership and assured them that their petition had been well received. He highlighted the severe toll climate change is taking on Zambia, noting that the country recently lost 1.1 million hectares of maize fields due to drought and continues to lose an estimated 172,000 hectares of forest annually.
“This alarming rate of deforestation has far-reaching social, economic, and environmental consequences,” the Minister stated. “Climate change is affecting all parts of the world, and we are witnessing both droughts and floods here in Zambia. Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the leaders of today — and the New Dawn government will ensure they are included in all programs addressing climate change.”
The Minister also encouraged school leavers to take advantage of opportunities at Mwekera College of Forestry, which produces diploma-level graduates in forestry management.
He further emphasized the government’s commitment to fighting climate change at the local level through Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects. In conclusion, the Minister urged teachers to facilitate debates and learning activities around current issues, including climate change, to foster awareness and critical thinking among students.
Hon. Mposha commended World Vision Zambia for its ongoing efforts in educating school-going children about climate change and called on other stakeholders to step forward with similar initiatives. He stressed that nurturing climate-conscious young people is essential for securing a sustainable future for the next generation.
The Agency.