The synergy between Copper Rose Zambia and BongoHive Innovation and Technology Hub took on a bigger meaning as we partnered to host Zambia’s first-ever Youth Rise Up Summit on 12 November 2021, at the New Government Complex. Themed “Digital Innovation for Youth in a Post Covid-19 world,” this one-day gathering promised to raise the excitement of over 220 youth in attendance, through a line-up of exceptional speakers providing practical solutions for challenges facing youth due to the pandemic.
In her welcoming remarks, Faith Kaoma – Chief Operations Officer, Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) underscored the need for society, especially youth, to adapt to the new normal by embracing digital innovation and technology solutions to foster economic development and youth empowerment. She encouraged youth to leverage the opportunities to network, learn and build business relations that the summit presented as she welcomed delegates.
Lukonga Lindunda – Executive Director, BongoHive Innovation and Technology Hub expressed delight at the work BongoHive had done the last 10 years through training and was looking to train over 3000 enterprises to leverage Facebook and WhatsApp for business growth. He urged delegates to take advantage of digital gains post-Covid-19, and use the summit to create synergies.
In her remarks, Dr. Natasha Salifyanji Kaoma – Chief Executive Officer, Copper Rose Zambia (CRZ) noted that the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated the closure of schools, disruption of businesses, rise in substance abuse, crime, and mental health disorder caused by uncertainty. ‘’For young girls, limited access to sexual reproductive health due to public health restrictions meant an increase in teenage pregnancies. Although the challenges outlined have been the bulk of the story of the Zambian youth during the pandemic, Covid-19 brought some good in the form of accelerated use and acceptance of digital technology. It is with that in mind that Copper Rose and BongoHive partnered to equip youth with skills and knowledge that would enable them to take advantage of digital technology. They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person, but I say give it to a Zambian youth. Young people are on fire!” she exclaimed, as she invigorated the delegates.
Mrs. Christine Mshanga – Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology and Science extended an open invitation to CRZ and other organizations to take advantage of initiatives and programs the ministry offered. She stated that the objectives of the summit aligned with President Hichilema’s focus on youth, technology, and innovation. She commended CRZ for the extensive work in adolescent health, women empowerment, menstrual health management, SRHR and leadership.
The summit had four (4) breakaway sessions which included;
- Civic engagement which was led by FHi360 and National Youth Development Council (NYDC)
- How to use digital tools for marketing your business hosted by BongoHive and led by Yellow Ray Digital Agency
- Public Speaking 101 which was led by Billy Mwape
- Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) which was led by SRHR Africa Trust (SAT Zambia)
The summit also had three (3) plenary sessions on the following topics;
- Digital Innovation and the Covid-19 pandemic which was moderated by Ndanji Simwanza
- Impact of Covid-19 on young people’s health which was moderated by Dr. Mable Kipenda
- Professional Enterprising: How to make money using your professional skills which was moderated by Mwansa Chalo.
Bibian Chibelushi, a CRZ volunteer, thanked Copper Rose Zambia and BongoHive for organizing the event and was happy that the event helped youth to learn what value they could create, and understand where they needed to improve. She thanked sponsors and the youth for turning up in numbers. Ms. Chibelushi reminded delegates to take up the invitation made by the Ministry of Technology and Science as she advised the youth to let their actions be more visible, going forward.
