ZNS NEARS FULL READINESS FOR NATIONAL SERVICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM
Reported by: S. Ernest.
Date: 11th January, 2024.
Katete, Eastern Province.
The Zambia National Service (ZNS) has announced significant progress in preparations for its Voluntary National Service Training program, with construction and renovations at the three designated training centers now 75% complete.
The program, designed to equip participants with essential life skills and promote patriotism, is set to begin within the month.
ZNS Chief of Public Relations and Liaison, Brigadier General Mulenga Nyone, revealed that the first intake will include over 1,000 volunteers who will undergo training at ZNS Chiwoko in Katete, Chishimba in Kasama, and Kitwe Training School on the Copperbelt.
Following an inspection tour led by ZNS Commander Lieutenant General Engineer Maliti Solochi II, Brig. Gen. Nyone reported that the three training centers are nearly ready to host the volunteers.
Speaking from Chiwoko Training School, she highlighted the upgrades made to critical facilities such as dormitories, clinics, obstacle courses and the school hall.
“The Commander has assessed the readiness of Chiwoko Training School and similar progress has been achieved at the other units. We are approximately 75% complete with renovations, construction, and rehabilitation, ensuring the facilities are ready to host the first intake of the Voluntary National Service program,” she stated.
The six-month training program will focus on equipping volunteers with life-sustaining skills, including carpentry, plumbing, mechanics, and agriculture, with the latter being a compulsory course.
Brig. Gen. Nyone clarified that the training is not full military preparation but rather a two-phase program aimed at fostering discipline, physical fitness and national pride.
“The first phase will cover basic military training to instill discipline and physical alertness. The second phase will focus on life skills development to prepare participants for self-reliance and meaningful contribution to society,” she explained.
The recruitment process, handled by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services at the provincial level, will ensure inclusivity and fairness.
Those who complete the training will be entered into a database that may serve as a recruitment pool for Zambia’s Defense and Security wings or other government departments.
During his inspection, Lt. Gen. Solochi expressed satisfaction with the progress at Chiwoko Training School and endorsed the facility’s readiness to accommodate volunteers.
He noted that the initiative aligns with ZNS’s broader mission to empower citizens with skills and strengthen the nation’s workforce.
With the program’s commencement imminent, the Voluntary National Service Training is set to provide thousands of Zambians with invaluable skills, fostering economic independence and national development.
Picture credit: ZNS Media
Zambia National Service
Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Zambia
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