World Vision Hosts a THRIVE Training for Chiefs and Government Officials

By Agatha Mali, Communications, Zambia

World Vision Zambia recently hosted a three-day Transforming Households Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE) awareness training for chiefs and District Agricultural Coordinators in Kabwe, focusing on the importance of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), and a Biblically Empowered Worldview in communities.

The training brought together Royal Highnesses from selected areas of the country where the THRIVE program is being implemented, to discuss issues affecting GESI, livelihoods, and climate change.

During the official opening of the training, Central Province Minister, Honourable Mwabashike Nkulukusa, expressed his pleasure in officiating the event. He emphasized the significance of the THRIVE 2030 project, noting that its ambitious goals will be achieved through strong partnerships and the adoption of various approaches implemented by World Vision in the targeted 17 Area Programmes.

He highlighted the government's recognition of the importance of involving local communities in forest management, stating, "The government is exploring ways to support community-based forest management initiatives, provide incentives for sustainable practices, and empower local stakeholders to take an active role in conservation efforts."

He added that partnerships with organizations such as World Vision are crucial to the government's strategy.

At the same event, traditional leaders pledged to help break down barriers and raise awareness about GESI issues in their chiefdoms. Speaking on behalf of the chiefs present, Chief Ndake of the Nsenga people in Eastern Province praised World Vision's efforts in enhancing community development.

He declared, "Traditional leaders should not be obstacles to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion but instead, champions of change. I want to assure you all that, following this training, no traditional leader or custom will stand as a barrier to GESI."

World Vision Zambia’s Enhanced Livelihood and Resilience Technical Programme Manager, Mr. Sam Tembo, remarked that the three-day training provided a valuable opportunity to share World Vision’s proven technologies, approaches, and models within the THRIVE program.

World Vision Zambia's Transforming Household Resilience in Vulnerable Environments (THRIVE) Project is designed to empower families in vulnerable communities by enhancing their economic resilience and self-reliance. Through an integrated approach, THRIVE focuses on equipping households with essential skills in agriculture, financial literacy, and market access, ensuring they can sustainably improve their livelihoods. The project promotes climate-smart agricultural practices, savings groups, and income-generating activities to help families diversify their income sources and build long-term resilience. By addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability, THRIVE enables families not only to meet their immediate needs but also to achieve greater economic stability, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.