09/06/2026
Over 800 young people were reached with information on drug abuse, sexual and reproductive health, including menstrual health, and life skills during the Sports for Health Community Tournament and Roadshow at Wesley Nyirenda Combined School Grounds in Kitwe and National Square in Serenje under the UNESCO Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) Project.
The activity engaged 20 primary and secondary schools, learners, teachers, government departments, civil society, and media partners through football tournaments, drama performances, music, interactive sessions, on-site health booths, and a live outdoor radio broadcast by Serenje Radio in Serenje and Flava FM in Kitwe.
These platforms enabled meaningful discussions on prevention of early and unintended pregnancies, HIV prevention, sexual and reproductive health, school-related gender-based violence, safeguarding, substance abuse prevention, and school retention.
The Serenje District Education Board Secretary, Mr Kelly Kapanga, stressed that young people learn and discuss sensitive topics more openly when they are in safe, interactive environments, and that such games are places where young people can learn from each other and professionals. Meanwhile, the Copperbelt Senior Education Office- Guidance, Counselling and Administration, Dr. Rev. Sikute-Chitindi, urged the community to become active and support the growth of the children.
The activities successfully strengthened linkages between schools, communities, and health service providers while maintaining strong safeguarding standards. One of the learners, Jameson Lusaka, shared his key takeaway: “Drugs are not good for our mental and physical health.”
