Generation Alive Zambia (GAL) and its implementing partners Plan International and Vision of Hope (VOH) are working on the project Keeping Children and Young People Safe and Protected: Strengthening Civil Society Organization as a Driving Force. The project is being implemented in 7 constituencies in Lusaka namely, Lusaka Central, Munali, Kabwata, Kanyama, Chawama, Matero and Mandevu
The project’s objective is to protect children’s rights, including vulnerable children and youth in street situations in Lusaka District of Zambia with special attention to girls and young women.
Activities being implemented under this project are as follows:
Creating linkages and referral protocols with Child Protection (CP) and Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights services
Generation alive holds meetings to create linkages with stakeholders such as Civil Society Organisations (CSO), government departments and the community. CSOs include Mthunzi Centre, Young Women Christian Association (YWCA), Fountain of Hope, Footprint, Africa Directions (AD), Mike’s Initiative and Vision of Hope (VOH).
Government departments working with GAL on this project include the Ministry of Health that is health facilities in all 7 Constituencies, Zambia Police under the departments of Child Protection Unit (CPU) and Victim Support Unit (VSU), the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) and the Community who are working in all 7 constituencies as Community Welfare Assistants Committees (CWACs).
Regular outreach to children and youth in street situations
Generation Alive conducts street outreach in Lusaka town areas such as City Market, Soweto, Post Office, Northmead and Intercity. Children on the streets are sensitized on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services and information as well as child protection services available to them.
Ensuring access to emergency medical care and psychosocial counselling
Generation Alive has conducted meetings with health providers coming from health facilities in the 7 constituencies namely Chilenje Hospital, Matero Hospital, Kabwata Clinic, Railway Clinic, Kanyama Clinic, Chawama Hospital, Mtendere Clinic and Chipata Hospital. GAL engages health facilities to ensure that children and youth in street situations who may have challenges in accessing specialised medical care and psychosocial counselling have access to the services. It is noted that children in street situations suffer the stigma attached to their situations.