Amano Organization

28/07/2026

More Than a Game: Using Basketball to Champion Mental Health and Substance Abuse Awareness Among Youth

Lusaka, Zambia – 25 July 2026

The YSEP Open 3x3 Basketball Tournament at the Olympafrica Courts was more than a showcase of athletic talent—it became a platform for meaningful conversations about the challenges affecting young people today. Hosted by Sport In Action (SIA) in collaboration with Sports Youth Network (SYN).

Beyond the excitement of the games, dedicated educational sessions were held to address mental health, substance abuse, and peer pressure among participants. The initiative sought to equip young athletes with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions while creating an environment where they could openly discuss issues that are often overlooked.

The engagement demonstrated how sport can serve as a powerful tool for education and social development. By combining basketball with life-skills education, the initiative addressed some of the most pressing issues facing young people while reinforcing the importance of mental well-being, informed decision-making, and substance abuse prevention.

The YSEP Open 3x3 Basketball Tournament stands as a reminder that every sporting event has the potential to inspire not only stronger athletes but also healthier, more informed, and resilient young people who are equipped to make positive choices for their futures.

27/07/2026

24/07/2026

Join us tomorrow for the 3x3 tournament

🚨 REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED! 🚨

37 TEAMS ARE READY TO HIT THE COURT! 🏀🔥

The excitement is building and the countdown is on! We are thrilled to announce that registration for the YSEP Open 3x3 Basketball Tournament has officially closed, with an incredible lineup of 37 teams and 150+ youth athletes ready to showcase their game across the U13, U16, U19, and Girls divisions!

🤝 More Than Just Basketball
This tournament is about far more than points on the scoreboard—it's about youth empowerment, safety, and community.

A massive shoutout to our dedicated partners:

Amano Organization

That Corner

Sports YOUTH Network

Partnering alongside Sport In Action, our collective mission is to ensure every single one of our 150+ participants enjoys a safe, inspiring 3x3 experience. Beyond competitive play, athletes will have direct access to essential life-skills sessions focused on navigating peer pressure, substance abuse awareness & prevention, and personal growth.

📅 Event Details
🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026

⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

📍 Venue: Olympafrica Courts

🎟️ Admission: FREE for all spectators and supporters!

📲 Live Updates & Fixtures
Don't miss a single play! You can follow all the group stage matchups, live scores, and knockout schedules throughout the day using the link below:

👉 View Match Fixtures & Live Scores: [https://play.fiba3x3.com/events/50675f21-061d-4978-95a5-dc41a5247327/schedule]

Come out, support the youth, and let’s make this tournament unforgettable! 🏆🙌

28/05/2026

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026

Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated every year on 28 May to raise awareness about menstruation and menstrual health. The 2026 theme focuses on breaking stigma, promoting dignity, and ensuring menstrual health for everyone.

Menstruation is a natural process that happens to girls and women. However, many people still feel shy or embarrassed to talk about it. In some communities, girls face discrimination and are treated differently during their periods. This can affect their confidence, education, and health.

Many girls and women also lack access to sanitary pads, clean water, toilets, and proper health information. Because of this, some girls miss school or avoid participating in daily activities when they are menstruating.

The purpose of Menstrual Hygiene Day is to educate people and encourage open discussions about menstruation. It also promotes equal access to menstrual products, healthcare, and sanitation facilities. Everyone deserves to manage their periods safely and with dignity.

Schools, families, governments, and communities all have an important role to play. Schools should provide proper sanitation and menstrual education. Families should support girls without shame or stigma. Communities should encourage respect and understanding.

The 2026 theme reminds the world that periods are normal and should not be hidden or treated with shame. By breaking stigma and promoting dignity, society can help girls and women live healthy, confident, and empowered lives.

Sources

UNICEF

UNFPA

ActionAid

CARE International

31/03/2026

Financial literacy is an essential skill that empowers young people to make informed and responsible decisions about money. For youths involved in sports, this knowledge becomes even more important as they navigate expenses related to training, equipment, and personal needs. A recent financial literacy session for young athletes under Olymp Africa highlighted the value of equipping youths with practical financial skills early in life.

The session focused on key concepts such as understanding the difference between needs and wants, basic budgeting, and the importance of saving. By using relatable examples from sports and daily life, participants were able to see how financial decisions directly impact their progress both on and off the field. This approach made the learning experience meaningful and easy to understand.

Through interactive activities and discussions, the youths were encouraged to actively participate and apply what they learned. They explored real-life scenarios, worked in teams, and practiced making financial choices, which helped reinforce their understanding. The session not only improved their knowledge of money management but also strengthened important life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The impact of the program was evident in the enthusiasm and engagement shown by the participants. Many were able to relate the lessons to their own experiences and expressed interest in learning more about managing their finances. This demonstrates the importance of continuous financial education in shaping responsible and independent individuals.

Financial literacy is more than just learning how to handle money; it is about building a mindset that supports long-term success. For these young athletes, gaining such knowledge is a step toward a more secure and well-planned future, both in sports and in life.

21/03/2026

Economic literacy

Despite its importance, many people lack basic economic knowledge. Economic literacy equips individuals with the skills to make wise financial decisions, promoting independence, reducing poverty, and building stronger communities. Investing in economic education is an investment in a stable and prosperous future.

It also encourages responsible citizenship by helping people understand how government policies, taxes, and public spending affect daily life, enabling informed participation in decisions that shape the economy.

Every day, people make choices about what to buy, how much to spend, and how much to save. Without proper understanding, these decisions can lead to financial problems. With economic literacy, individuals can evaluate options, compare costs, and make smarter choices.

In short, economic literacy is a vital life skill that helps people use money wisely and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

20/03/2026

The Importance of Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pads are essential for personal hygiene and overall health. During menstruation, using clean and safe materials helps prevent infections and discomfort. Without proper menstrual products, many girls are forced to use unsafe alternatives, which can lead to serious health risks.

Pads also protect a girl’s confidence and dignity. Menstruation is a natural process, yet it is often surrounded by shame and silence. Having access to sanitary pads allows girls to manage their periods with confidence, without fear of embarrassment or stigma. It helps them feel normal, secure, and in control of their bodies.

Access to sanitary pads is like a passport that enables a girl child to stay in school. Many girls miss classes during their periods simply because they do not have access to these essential products. This leads to lost learning time and, in some cases, dropping out completely.

By providing sanitary pads, we are not just addressing hygiene—we are supporting girls to remain in school, learn consistently, and build a better future for themselves.

We would also like to sincerely appreciate the Government of Zambia for the distribution of sanitary pads to learners. This initiative is not just a provision of a product, but a powerful investment in the health, dignity, and education of the girl child. Such efforts show commitment to empowering young girls and creating equal opportunities for all.

06/02/2026

Child Sexual Abuse in Zambia: A Current Snapshot

Child s*xual abuse in Zambia is a serious and widespread child protection issue that affects both girls and boys, though girls are disproportionately harmed. Recent statistics from police and national reports show that many children experience abuse, and the true numbers are likely higher because many incidents go unreported.

How Many Cases Are Reported?

In the fourth quarter of 2024, Zambia recorded 12,378 cases of gender-based violence (GBV), and 2,666 of these (about 21.5%) involved children. Of the child victims, 1,885 (70%) were girls. This data highlights how common abuse against children is within overall GBV reporting.

Police crime records from earlier years show that hundreds of child defilement cases are routinely reported each quarter. For example, in the first quarter of 2022, 540 child defilement cases were recorded across the country.

Independent institutional records suggest that more than 150 children aged 8–12 are s*xually abused each month at the University Teaching Hospital alone, pointing to frequent occurrences that reach medical services.

Risk and Prevalence Among Young People

Research conducted among high school pupils in Lusaka found that about 43.5% of students surveyed reported experiencing some form of s*xual abuse, with many cases not disclosed to adults or authorities. Family members were identified as the most common abusers in these cases.

National child protection data also reveal that around 20% of girls and 10% of boys in Zambia experienced s*xual abuse before age 18, based on broad surveys on violence against children.

Emerging Forms: Online Exploitation

The Zambian government and partners recently launched a National Child Online Protection Strategy (2025–2029) to tackle growing risks of online s*xual exploitation. Officials noted that about 1 in 12 children has experienced online s*xual exploitation, reflecting how technology expands channels for abuse.

Barriers to Reporting and Protection

Despite these figures, many cases of child s*xual abuse go unreported. Stigma, fear of judgment, and lack of confidence in the justice system are major reasons children and families may not seek help, meaning official records likely underestimate the true scope of the problem.

05/02/2026

Teenage Pregnancy in Zambia: A Growing Public Health and Social Concern

Teenage pregnancy remains one of the most pressing challenges affecting adolescent girls in Zambia, particularly in rural communities. Nearly 30% of girls become pregnant before the age of 18, placing the country among those with the highest rates of teenage pregnancy globally. This issue is not only a health concern but also a major social and developmental problem that limits the potential of young girls.

Statistics show that approximately 29% of adolescent girls aged 15–19 have experienced pregnancy. The situation is more severe in rural areas, where the rate rises to about 37%, compared to 20% in urban areas. These figures highlight a clear inequality in access to education, health services, and economic opportunities between rural and urban populations.

Several factors contribute to the high rates of teenage pregnancy in Zambia. Limited access to s*xual and reproductive health information and services leaves many girls without the knowledge or resources to protect themselves. Poverty plays a significant role, often pushing adolescents into transactional s*x as a means of survival. In addition, certain cultural practices, including traditional initiation ceremonies, may expose young girls to early s*xual activity without adequate guidance or protection.

The consequences of teenage pregnancy are far-reaching. One of the most significant impacts is school dropout, as many pregnant girls are forced to leave school due to stigma, lack of support, or child-rearing responsibilities. This disrupts their education and reduces their chances of securing stable employment in the future, perpetuating cycles of poverty. From a health perspective, teenage pregnancy poses serious risks, as young mothers are more likely to experience reproductive complications. In Zambia, about 115 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19 are recorded, underscoring the scale of the problem.

Addressing teenage pregnancy requires a coordinated and sustained approach. Improving access to comprehensive s*xual and reproductive health education, expanding youth-friendly health services, and tackling poverty through economic empowerment programs are critical steps. Equally important is engaging communities to challenge harmful cultural practices and promote the education and protection of girls.

Reducing teenage pregnancy is not only about preventing early pregnancies but also about safeguarding the health, education, and future potential of Zambia’s young girls. Investing in adolescents today is an investment in the country’s long-term social and economic development.