Ascend Futures Foundation

25/09/2026

Strengthening Teachers’ Participation in Child Protection

On 19 September 2026, Ascend Futures Foundation (AFF) successfully conducted a one-day training on Child Marriage, Child Safeguarding and Child Protection, bringing together Guidance and Counselling Teachers and School Club Patrons from Matipula, Chongwe, Syverest, Chalimbana and Chainda Primary and Secondary Schools.

The training equipped 20 teachers with practical knowledge and skills to identify protection risks, respond appropriately to concerns, strengthen referral pathways, and support school clubs working to prevent child marriage.

As part of the initiative, teachers established an integrated school club programme to strengthen and build on existing school club activities within the participating schools.

Through this work, AFF continues to contribute to safer schools, stronger child protection systems and communities where every child can learn, grow and thrive.

We are grateful to Restless Development Uganda for their continued support to communities and young people through the Empowering Communities to End Child Marriage Project.

20/09/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Kantumoya Derrick Mpaka, Brian Katongo, Precious Mwa Ngo, Lindsay OG Cheembo, Noriana C Phiri, Simon Makala, Tembø Er Påtrìck, Martha Mwanza, Mapalo Chibwe, Lazarous Alex, Doris Eniya Zulu, Alicia M Ngosa, Mwale Precious, Chewe Mervis, Adi Rian, Faith Mwale, Mwewa Agape, Lewis Phiri, Jasmine Miti, Cindy Clementd, Tabitha Mundia, Kabila Judy, Elvis B Pensulo, Mary Ngunungunu, Riel Nyawa, Gladys Shaba

11/09/2026

Prevention starts with a conversation. 💙

Ascend Futures Foundation, in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia - PPAZ, took HIV prevention information and services to Mutendere Market, engaging community members in conversations about the different HIV prevention options available in Zambia.

We shared information on the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) and other biomedical HIV prevention methods, helping community members understand their options and make informed choices based on their needs and preferences.

We were encouraged by the interest, questions and willingness to learn. Those interested in HIV prevention services were supported and referred to appropriate services.

Through open conversations, accurate information, and service linkages, we continue to bring HIV prevention closer to the community.

Know your options. Make an informed choice. Prevent HIV. 💙

07/09/2026

🎓 Student Health, Our Priority

Ascend Futures Foundation, in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Zambia, conducted an HIV prevention information outreach session at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA), engaging students on HIV prevention choices and the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR).

We took the conversation beyond the outreach tent and into student dormitories through door-to-door information sessions. These engagements created safe, accessible spaces for students to ask questions, address misconceptions, explore their prevention options, and make informed decisions about their health.

📍 769 students were reached with information on the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, highlighting it as an additional HIV prevention option available in Zambia and contributing to greater prevention choice and informed decision-making among young people.

With young people accounting for a significant share of new HIV infections, increasing access to accurate, youth-friendly HIV prevention information in colleges and universities is essential to closing information gaps, reducing fear and misconceptions, and encouraging young people to access available prevention services.

💙 Student health is our priority. Prevention starts with information, choice, and access.

01/09/2026

📻 Taking the Child Marriage Conversation to the Community!

We took the conversation beyond the usual spaces and into the community through Chongwe Community Radio, joining our ambassadors and the Restless Development communications team for an engaging discussion in a local language on preventing child marriage.

Our message is clear: protecting children is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we are challenging harmful social norms and practices, raising awareness, and encouraging communities to take collective action to prevent child marriage across Chongwe District.

When communities speak up, challenge harmful norms, and act together, change becomes possible.

Together, we can speak up, change norms, and end child marriage. 💙

01/09/2026

Ending Child Marriage Starts With Community Action. 💙

Preventing child marriage requires more than awareness — it requires communities to come together, speak up and take action.
As part of our ongoing work in Chongwe, we brought together teachers from Chongwe Primary School, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) members, community members and village committee members to discuss the drivers of child marriage and explore practical ways communities can prevent it.

The session focused on equipping community members with information to help prevent child marriage, challenge harmful social norms and practices, and strengthen awareness of available reporting and referral mechanisms. Every parent, teacher, community leader and young person has a role to play in protecting children.

Together, we can speak up. Together, we can act. Together, we can end child marriage.

25/08/2026

🌟 Introducing the EmpowerHER Project! 🌟

We are proud to launch the EmpowerHER Project, a youth-led initiative equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and platforms to champion HIV prevention and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in their communities.

Over 50 young Ambassadors have been recruited and trained, and they are now ready to engage and inspire communities across Chilanga, Chongwe, and Lusaka.

Our Ambassadors will:
✨ Educate and create awareness.
📢 Advocate for better health and informed choices
🤝 Connect young people to essential services
🗣️ Amplify youth voices and leadership
💪 Inspire healthier, empowered communities

Support our Ambassadors! Follow their journey, engage with their content, share their messages, and help us amplify the voices of young people. We extend our sincere gratitude to AIDS Fonds for the generous support and Access Bridge for the technical support and mentorship that made this initiative possible.

24/08/2026

🇿🇲 Strengthening PrEP Choice and CAB Delivery in Zambia.

The SHIELD Project—implemented by Ascend Futures Foundation in collaboration with Coalition Health Zambia, Latu Human Rights Foundation, and the Ministry of Health Zambia, with support from ViiV Healthcare is strengthening Zambia’s capacity to deliver quality, person-centred HIV prevention.

Over the last quarter, healthcare workers and community-based volunteers received PrEP Choice training across 9 of the 10 targeted districts, with a special focus on long-acting injectable Cabotegravir (CAB).

The training strengthened practical skills in:

🔹 PrEP choice and person-centred HIV prevention
🔹 CAB administration and client follow-up
🔹 Supporting clients who miss appointments
🔹 Pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction reporting
🔹 Key population-sensitive services
🔹 M&E and accurate reporting through paper-based tools and DHIS2 Tracker

Thank you for your continued support in expanding access to biomedical HIV prevention options.

At Ascend Futures Foundation, we remain committed to building stronger health systems and empowering healthcare providers and communities to ensure that everyone can access HIV prevention options that work for them.

Together, we are expanding PrEP choice and strengthening the future of HIV prevention in Zambia. 💙🇿🇲

12/08/2026