CSPR and UNICEF launch Toolkit to amplify adolescent voices

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the School and Junior Councils Advocates Toolkit, a practical guide designed to equip adolescents with the skills they need to organize and effectively manage student and junior councils across Zambia.

The toolkit is much more than just a manual it offers young people a platform to raise their voices, participate meaningfully in school governance, and play an active role in community development.

Set to be rolled out nationwide, this initiative supports Zambia’s broader efforts to boost youth participation in governance and local development.

Developed through extensive research in Lusaka, Katete, and Kafue districts, the toolkit benefited from the insights of teachers, District Education Boards (DEBs), student and junior councils, CSPR staff, and UNICEF.

Lead consultant Dr. Aaron Chansa has described the launch as a landmark moment in promoting youth leadership and decision-making.

“This guide fills a long-standing gap. For years, young people lacked a structured resource to identify the issues affecting them and to take advocacy actions that bring about positive change,” Dr. Chansa said.

Dr. Chansa said the toolkit contains real-life advocacy strategies that empower young people to engage with decision-makers, building their leadership and problem-solving skills.

“It is a tool to train and mentor learners in advocacy and leadership, helping to actualize youth participation in local development and decision-making,” he added.

Dr. Chansa said the toolkit encourages schools and communities to create structured activities that foster civic engagement among adolescents.

He has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Local Government to officially adopt the toolkit nationwide.

“I urge all school managers and council secretaries to embrace this toolkit and ensure school and junior councils are established. This is key to enhancing youth involvement in governance and community development,” he said.

And Speaking during the official unveiling of the toolkit, District Education Board (DEB) Guidance and Counselling Coordinator for Lusaka, Bright Musonda, has underscored the growing importance of student and junior councils.

“These councils empower learners to actively shape their school environments. They promote participation, responsibility, and adherence to school rules,” he explained during the unveiling.

“They also act as watchdogs, identifying issues such as poor sanitation and presenting them respectfully and constructively.”

And speaking earlier, Junior Mayor for the Greater City of Lusaka and Junior Councillor, Anita Manika, has praised the toolkit as a powerful instrument for youth empowerment.

“This toolkit gives us the confidence and resources to be agents of change. We thank UNICEF and CSPR for putting power in our hands and listening to our voices,” she said.

Meanwhile, CSPR Executive Director Isabel Mukelebai has expressed heartfelt gratitude to UNICEF for its financial and technical support throughout the project.

She has also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of over 100 adolescents from schools and communities whose voices helped shape the toolkit.

And Ms. Mukelebai has thanked to Dr. Chansa for leading the consultations and authoring this landmark resource.

Leveraging its Adolescent Advocacy Toolkit, CSPR has successfully trained over 60 learners from selected learner councils in Lusaka and Kafue, equipping them with practical skills in children’s rights advocacy to drive positive change in their schools and communities.

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