Umusepela Project

03/04/2026

A Good Friday Announcement

Unlocking Youth Participation in Civic Duty

This Good Friday, a day observed by billions of Christians around the globe as a time of profound reflection on sacrifice, hope, and the promise of a renewed future, we are humbled and excited to share the birth of a vital new initiative from Mwense District, Zambia.

Today, we officially announce the soft launch of the 2026 INTERSCHOOLS DEBATE COMPETITION.

This is not just a speaking contest. It is a structured platform of empowerment, uniting learners from 14 secondary schools across Mwense District under the compelling theme: YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE: UNLOCKING CIVIC DUTY.

Rooted in History, Focused on the Future:
As Zambia navigates critical milestones in its modern history, it is imperative that the voices that will inherit this nation are equipped to understand, debate, and shape it.

This competition will compel our learners to move beyond surface-level opinions and dive deep into the legal and structural realities of Zambian democracy. The debates will focus on three core modern developments that are redefining our nation:

1. Guaranteed Inclusion (Article 13): Analyzing the contents of the landmark Constitutional Amendment (formerly Bill 7) and what it realistically means for the participation of Youth, Women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) at the tables of decision-making.

2. Fair Representation (The 2026 Delimitation): Debating the Constituency Delimitation process of 2026—exploring how it seeks to balance population growth with equitable development and representation.

3. The New Voice of the Vote (Mixed Member Electoral Process): Investigating the operational shift toward a Mixed Member Electoral system in light of constitutional amendments, asking how it alters the relationship between the voter, the party, and Parliament.

Why This Project Matters
During this Easter weekend, a season of hope, we believe this project is a critical investment in the resurrection of active, informed citizenship.

To the Learners
It matters because it transfers governance from abstract textbooks and parliamentary procedures into their hands. This competition unlocks the critical thinking, research skills, and confidence they need not only to succeed academically but to demand their space as defined by Article 13. We are equipping them with the knowledge to be authors of Zambia’s next chapter, rather than mere spectators.

To the Community of Mwense
It matters because these 14 schools are the heart of our communities. When these learners debate, they bring crucial national issues, like electoral systems and representation, directly into the living rooms of Mwense. It bridges the gap between the capital city and the rural district, fostering a local culture of informed dialogue, unity, and shared pride in our intellectual capital.

To the Nation at Large
It matters because Zambia cannot fully realize the promise of its recent constitutional reforms without a generation that understands how to use them. By fostering a deep, practical understanding of the Mixed Member Electoral Process and Delimitation among future leaders, this project is a direct contribution to the long-term stability, inclusivity, and health of Zambian democracy.

Join Us on the Journey
Today is just the beginning. During this reflective weekend, we invite you to stand with the youth of Mwense. As we plant these seeds of knowledge and civic duty, we look forward to the "resurrection" of vibrant debate and active participation in the coming months.

Follow our journey as we prepare 14 secondary schools to unlock their potential, their duty, and our future.

03/02/2026

Over the last few years, I've been privileged to work with Schools across Zambia in bringing mentorship programs for the young learners.

With the evidence of Free Education, we have seen the highest numbers of enrollment especially in rural schools where numbers were previously low due to many challenges faced within those communities. Overtime, I've come to believe in 3 (three) core issues that I continue to advocate for.

I strongly believe that the future isn’t a distant destination we’re waiting for—it’s a reality we are building with our own hands, right now.

Our nation stands at a crossroads where our energy is the greatest resource we have. Here is how I believe we ought to move forward.

1. Education: Our Vehicle for Change
Education is more than just a certificate; it is the sharpening of one's mind to solve local problems. Whether you are studying in a classroom or learning a specialized skill, remember that knowledge is the only capital that no one can take from you.
Don't just learn to fit in: Learn to innovate.

2. Civic Duty: The Power of Your Voice
Being a citizen is a marathon, not a one-day event during elections. Our civic duty is the heartbeat of our democracy. It calls us to actively participate, interrogate our governance systems.
Stay Informed: Understand how our local council operates and how national budgets affect our communities.
Accountability: True patriotism isn't silent loyalty; it’s the courage to hold leaders accountable and to offer better alternatives. Your voice is a tool—use it with integrity.

3. Active Participation: From Spectators to Architects
Development doesn't happen "to" a community; it happens "by" a community. We cannot wait for others to fix our roads or create our jobs while we watch from the sidelines.

Start Small: Join a local cooperative, volunteer for a community cleanup, or mentor a younger student. Whatever you do, just start.

Lead Everywhere: Leadership isn't just a title in government; it’s taking responsibility for a solution when everyone else is complaining about the problem.

"The strength of the nation lies in the character of its youth." Zambia is watching us. Zambia is counting on us. Rise above the noise, stay focused on your growth, and remember that a developed Zambia begins with a determined you.

Forward Ever, Backward Never.




--
Lombe Henry Musole
Founder | Umusepela Project

25/11/2025

"Work hard, as if it all depends on you. Pray hard, as if it all depends on God."

Hon Youth Leader, on Leadership and Democracy.

09/09/2025

ACHIEVERS YOUTH CLUB: A CALL TO ACTION ON WORLD LITERACY DAY

Every year on September 8th, the world unites to celebrate International Literacy Day, a moment to reflect on the power of reading and writing to transform lives. At the Umusepela Project, we believe that literacy is not just the ability to read and write; it is the key to unlocking human potential and fostering a more equitable society. This year, we are proud to launch a new initiative that directly links the spirit of this day to tangible action on the ground in our communities.

The ACHIEVERS YOUTH CLUB

The Umusepela Project's Achievers Youth Club is a non-profit, youth-led organization committed to bridging the educational and opportunity gaps that exist between urban and rural areas. We recognize that while national literacy rates in Zambia are improving, with youth literacy at over 90%, significant disparities persist, particularly in rural schools where access to quality resources and mentorship is limited. The challenges of low school attendance and poor educational outcomes in these communities are a direct barrier to a prosperous future. Our mission is to dismantle these barriers through focused academic, character, skills, and career development, one child at a time.

Our flagship initiative is the "School Mentorship Program," a dynamic project designed to empower young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through this program, we will provide one-on-one and group mentorship, connecting rural students with seasoned professionals, educators, and university students from diverse fields. These mentors will provide academic support, help improve reading and comprehension skills, and, crucially, act as role models who inspire learners to pursue higher education and meaningful careers.

The program's core objective is to ensure that young people, not only in Mwense, Zambia, but across all of Africa, are not left behind. By fostering a love for learning and providing guidance on everything from career planning to life skills, we aim to create a level playing field. We will help the learners realize that their location does not determine their destiny. The skills they gain—like critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and digital skills—are the true foundations of equal opportunity.

The Achievers Youth Club stands as a testament to the idea that with collective effort, we can make a profound difference. As we commemorate International Literacy Day, we are not just celebrating a statistic; we are renewing our commitment to the hundreds of millions of youth and adults worldwide who still lack basic literacy skills. We invite you to join us on this journey to empower the next generation of rural leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Together, we can build a future where every young person, regardless of their background, has the chance to achieve their dreams.

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18/07/2025

"What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead."

- Nelson Mandela.

Happy Mandela Day

Umusepela Project.

10/07/2025

History is created everyday, by ordinary individuals doing extraordinary feats.

The Johns Hopkins University Hospital is particularly a known place to many who have read Dr Ben Carson's Gifted Hands.

Now, we are reading about Johns Hopkins again, but for completely different reasons, while all the same interconnected.

What this beautiful Black Child has achieved, renders testimony to the works of great men and women who have dedicated their lives to mentoring the young generation into becoming extraordinary professionals across a diverse range of fields, who go on to contribute to the civilization of humanity.

At Umusepela Project, we are proud to partner with like-minded individuals and organizations in delivering tailor made mentorship programs to young people in rural and hard to reach places which are mostly underserved. Our focus on Education and Entrepreneurship aligns with our zeal for achieving SDGs 2, 4, 8, 9 and 17.





YALI RLC SA - Zambia

Dr. Nancy Abu-Bonsrah etched her name in history as the first Black woman to both enter and complete the prestigious seven-year neurosurgery residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2024, a program born at the very institution that pioneered the field.

Her journey, spanning 12 years of rigorous education and training, culminated in a triumphant celebration with her family.

A graduate of Mount St. Mary’s University, where she was mentored by Dean Christine McCauslin and esteemed science faculty, Dr. Abu-Bonsrah credits their unwavering support as foundational to her success.

Beyond her groundbreaking residency, she distinguished herself through research, earning a Master of Public Health and co-authoring over 70 peer-reviewed publications, while also receiving numerous accolades, including the NREF Directed Residency Scholarship and the AAS Global Surgery Research Award.

Now, Dr. Nancy embarks on the next chapter at UPMC Williamsport Hospital.

03/07/2025

INTRODUCING RIYA, your educational AI Assist.

Riya is an offline desktop (for now) application that can run as a stand-alone application. It needs no installation as
it is a click-to-run application, making it easier to operate on machines with low RAM and disk storage.
Riya doesn’t need a specific processor to operate, and comes with its own memory. Meaning it can’t
feed on your device apart from the 30MB it comes with. You can teach Riya many things in learning
mode, and it will never take up your device storage because Riya saves files in Kilobytes.
Unlike other machine requirements, Riya now works without the internet. Yes, Riya works fully online
and can interact with users with efficiency and in real-time just like it does online. This AI also has a voice
mode, which enables it to interact with users in a human-like voice. Add to that, Riya has a user-friendly
interface, making it easier to interact with even for those with limited digital skills.

Specific AI CONTENTS

1. Riya can offer you real-time offline interaction, anytime, anywhere.

2. Riya can give you quizzes, jokes, and other school related topics.

3. This AI Tool is able to provide you with teaching mode, meaning it can be a teacher to baby class, primary, and secondary school levels. (We are still developing to add a diverse range of tertiary and professional level materials.) In this mode, Riya can teach users things like, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Math, and History, based on the level of choice. Afterwards, it can offer you some questions in quiz format based on what you have learnt.

4. This tool can also learn from you. You can teach Riya how to interact with humans to enhance its performance.

5. Riya can also help you solve real-time issues like technology faults e.g. when your computer blacks out or can’t turn on, Riya can offer you solutions. Or when your phone starts heating up, all you have to do is ask Riya.

6. Riya is also able to assess your IQ levels in a quiz. Whenever you keep getting right answers to questions, Riya will enhance the level of questions, and provide twists and changes. But once it observes that you keep failing on some questions, Riya will dumb it down. Isn’t that cool?

7. Most importantly to our learning community, Riya does not tolerate hate speech, vulgar language and obscene material. No matter how hard you try, Riya RESTRICTS that.

SO, WHO NEEDS RIYA?

Every parent, teachers, school managers, and most importantly, learners of all levels.

OUR ASK?

Strategic partnership and collaboration to drive Riya to every learner in rural and underserved
communities.

If interested, please let's connect on,
Email: [email protected],
Whatsapp: +260954343999,

04/03/2025

GUEST ARTICLE: The costly trend of Careers Day - A waste of money

By Philip Nkhuwa, Author & Mentor

Careers Day is intended to be an exciting and educational event where children explore various professions and dream about their future. However, in many schools, this well-intentioned initiative has become a financial burden for parents. Instead of focusing on career guidance and inspiration, it has devolved into a competition of who wears the best outfit, pressuring parents to spend unnecessarily on costumes and additional fees. This raises the question: Is Careers Day losing its purpose and becoming a wasteful expense?

Unnecessary Expenses: A burden on families

One of the most significant issues with modern Careers Day celebrations is the emphasis on dressing up. Many schools require children to wear outfits representing their chosen profession. While this may seem like a fun and creative activity, it often leads to unnecessary spending. Parents find themselves rushing to purchase lab coats for aspiring doctors, pilot uniforms, or construction gear for future engineers. Some even go to the extent of renting or tailoring specific costumes, spending money on items their child will wear for only a few hours.

Beyond costumes, some schools impose additional fees for Careers Day activities, such as workshops, materials, or guest speaker sessions. For families with multiple children, these costs can quickly add up. When combined with other expenses like transportation, food, and time off work, Careers Day becomes a significant financial strain for many households.

Missing the true purpose of Careers Day

The original goal of Careers Day is to expose children to a variety of professions and inspire them to work hard toward their future goals. Unfortunately, the focus has shifted from education to appearance. Dressing up as a doctor, engineer, or artist for a day does little to teach children about the years of education, dedication, and skills required to succeed in those fields. Instead of learning through guest speakers, field trips, or interactive workshops, students are left with a superficial understanding of careers.

Moreover, the emphasis on costumes can create inequities among students. Children from lower-income families may feel excluded or embarrassed if they cannot afford elaborate outfits, undermining the inclusive spirit of the event.

A more practical and unclusive approach

To realign Careers Day with its original purpose, schools should consider more practical and educational approaches that minimize financial burdens while maximizing learning opportunities. Here are some suggestions:

1.Invite Professionals as Guest Speakers:
-Bring in doctors, footballers, engineers, artists, and other professionals to share their career journeys, challenges, and successes. This provides students with real-world insights and inspiration.

2. Organize Field Trips to Workplaces:
-Arrange visits to local businesses, hospitals, studios, or construction sites so students can observe careers in action. This hands-on experience can be far more impactful than dressing up.

3.Encourage Research and Presentations:
- Have students research different careers and present their findings to the class. This promotes critical thinking and public speaking skills while deepening their understanding of various professions.

4.Use DIY Props or Simple Costumes:
-If dressing up is still part of the event, encourage students to create their costumes using household items or simple props. This reduces costs and fosters creativity.

5.Collaborate with Local Businesses and Organizations:
-Partner with community organizations to sponsor events or provide resources, ensuring that all students can participate without financial barriers.

Conclusion

Careers Day should be about inspiring and educating students, not about who can wear the most impressive outfit. By shifting the focus back to meaningful learning experiences, schools can ensure that all students benefit without placing unnecessary financial pressure on parents. True career inspiration comes from knowledge, exposure, and real-world experiences—not from wearing a fancy costume for a few hours. It’s time for schools to rethink their approach to Careers Day and make it a valuable, inclusive, and cost-effective event for everyone involved.

In the end, Careers Day should be a celebration of possibilities, not a financial burden. With thoughtful planning and a focus on inclusivity, schools can create an event that truly inspires the next generation.

Kalemba March 4, 2025

10/02/2025

Today 10th February marks an exciting moment for many young people across the country. Having sat for their Primary Exams last year, eager and expectant learners have made their way to their selected schools to begin a journey that's gonna shape their academic and career paths.

The 2023 New Curriculum Framework comes into effect today, and the first Class of Form 1 begins. What an exciting feeling it must be.

At the Umusepela Project, we take keen interest in shaping the decisions of young people especially in matters of education and career development. It is for this reason that we are embarking on a sensitization tour of schools, to interact with Form 1 learners and educate them on the great opportunities this new Curriculum Framework has presented them with. Here are a few pointers to the Subject combinations for different Career pathways.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE 8 CAREER PATHWAYS

*1. NATURAL SCIENCE PATH WAY*
❑ ENGLISH
❑MATHEMATICS
❑ICT
❑PHYSICS
❑CHEMISTRY
❑BIOLOGY
❑CIVIC EDUCATION

*2. AGRICULTURE SCIENCE PATHWAY*
❑ AGRIC SCIENCE
❑ ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑ CIVIC EDUCATION
❑CHEMISTRY
❑PHYSICS
❑ ICT

*3. TECHNOLOGY PATHWAYS*
❑ DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY/ COMPUTER STUDIES
❑ ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑CIVIC EDUCATION
❑PHYSICS
❑CHEMISTRY
❑ICT
NOTE: LEARNERS WHO WILL CHOOSE COMPUTER
SCIENCE , WILL NOT TAKE ICT.

*4. HOME ECONOMICS & HOSPITALITY*
❑ FN/FF/HOSPITALITY MANAGENT/TRAVEL & TOURISM.
❑ ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑CIVIC EDUCATION
❑BIOLOGY
❑CHEMISTRY
❑ICT
❑ SWAHILI/FRENCH/PORTUGUSE/CHINESE
Note: CHEMISTRY MAY BE AN OPTION TO THOSE
TAKING TRAVEL & TOURISM

*5. SOCIAL SCIENCES PATH WAY.*
❑ GEO/HIS/RE
❑ ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑CIVIC EDUCATION
❑ ICT
❑ CHEM/PHY/BIO
❑ LIT. ENG/LIT. ZL/
SWAHILI/FRENCH/PORTUGUSE/CHINESEEACH

*6. BUSINESS AND FINANCE PATHWAY.*
❑ PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS
❑COMMERCE
❑ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑CIVIC EDUCATION
❑ ICT
❑GEO/HIS/RE/CHE/PHY/BIO

*7. PERFORMING AND CREATIVE ARTS.*
❑ MUSIC/ART & DESIGN
❑ENGLISH
❑MATHEMATICS
❑ CIVIC EDUCATION
❑ZL
❑ICT
❑LIT IN ENG/LIT IN ZL.

*8. PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS*.
❑ PHYSICAL EDUCATION
❑ENGLISH
❑MATHS
❑CIVIC EDUCATION
❑ICT
❑BIOLOGY
❑GEO/HIS/RE/CHEM/PHY

THE END

Those with a child/children, nieces, nephews olo cousins...These are the 8 career pathways u can 👆🏽👆🏽👆🏽 choose for them or by themselves. Take heed.