19/06/2026
🎓 Empowering Student Leaders for Effective Advocacy and Influence.
Yesterday, the Zambia National Education Coalition, in partnership with Yet Trust, successfully conducted a Capacity Building Workshop on Advocacy, Lobbying, and Negotiation Tactics for Student Union Leaders in Kitwe.
The workshop brought together student leaders from universities and colleges across the Copperbelt Province to strengthen their capacity to effectively represent student interests, engage decision-makers, and influence policies and practices affecting higher education.
Through a virtual presentation facilitated by Ms. Chalwe M. Nyirenda, Global Advocacy Advisor at Tearfund, participants explored the fundamentals of advocacy, power dynamics, stakeholder mapping, lobbying tactics, and the importance of evidence-based engagement in influencing change.
During a practical session facilitated by Ms. Rhodah Chibanga, student leaders were challenged to rethink the role of social media beyond entertainment and recognize its potential as a powerful tool for awareness creation, community mobilization, and advocacy. Discussions highlighted key issues requiring greater attention, including unfair room allocation, poor sanitation, and the need for institutions to better align academic programmes with technological advancements and evolving industry demands.
💡 A key takeaway from the workshop was that effective advocacy is not simply about raising concerns it is about strategically influencing decisions, building relationships, mobilizing communities, and proposing solutions that drive meaningful change.
🤝 Together, we are building a generation of informed, strategic, and influential student leaders committed to advancing inclusive and quality education for all.
SAIH Zanasu Copperbelt The Zambia National Students Union-Zanasu Swaziland Youth Empowerment Organization - Luvatsi"
