This August, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation’s Secretary General, Martin Houghton-Brown, travelled to Zambia to shine a spotlight on the incredible achievements of young people and the power of partnerships to create lasting change. Zambia has long been a leader in youth empowerment through non-formal education. From sports fields to community service projects, young Zambians are building resilience, compassion, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime. This visit was an opportunity to celebrate this impact — and to strengthen the relationships that help make it possible.
Through meetings with the Ministry of General Education and Ministry of Youth, Sport and Art, as well as Multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and UN agencies in Zambia, this visit has deepened partnership agreements, explored synergies in youth empowerment and education, and laid the foundation for even greater strategic collaboration across sectors.
A Compass for the Future
Africa is the youngest continent on Earth — home to the fastest-growing population and limitless potential. But young people today are navigating complex challenges: climate change, economic uncertainty, technological disruption. In a speech he delivered during this visit, Martin posed this pertinent question:
If the fastest-growing and youngest population in the world is represented in this place—what does that mean for the future of education? What does it mean for leadership? For opportunity? If we had a compass with us right now—what bearing would we take to help us navigate? Because young people are sensing that there are winds blowing. Winds of climate change. Winds of economic uncertainty. Winds of technological disruption. And many are asking for help to navigate. I do not pretend to know which way the wind is blowing—or indeed which way it should blow—but I do know this: we are in a period of profound global change. And our job, inspired by our chairman, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, is to navigate with young people to a place where they can achieve their full potential.
That’s where the Award, and its partnerships with organisations like Sport in Action, steps in. Because in a world of change, young people need more than knowledge — they need resilience, empathy, and purpose. They need what Ruth found.
Ruth’s Story: Discovering Inner Strength
Ruth is a young woman from Lusaka. She grew up in a community with limited opportunities and little expectation. But when she became a volunteer coach with Sport in Action, her journey changed. Through the programme, she was introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. At first, she wasn’t sure she belonged.
“I didn’t think I was the kind of person who could do something like this,” she said.
But she completed her Award: physical activity, learning new skills, volunteering with younger girls, and an adventurous journey that took her to places she’d never been — including a night under the stars.
“It was the first time I had led a team. The first time I had felt truly seen.”
Today, Ruth is studying community development. She wants to work with girls who just need someone to believe in them.
“The Award didn’t just give me confidence. It gave me a compass.”
And that’s exactly what this partnership has done for thousands of young people across Zambia.
The Award’s Legacy in Zambia
The Award’s journey in Zambia began in 1991 with a small pilot project. Today, it is woven into the fabric of youth development, with 86 Award Centres across the country and more than 1,300 young people taking part in 2024 alone. Since 2003, 150 young people have earned the prestigious Gold Award. With the support of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema as Chief Patron, and the dedication of more than 200 Award Leaders, Zambia continues to set an example for how non-formal education can transform lives. The Foundation’s vision is clear: to bring the Award to more young people, in more communities, especially those who need it most. And Zambia is leading the way.
Reflecting on his visit, Martin said, “Zambia is a beacon of youth potential and innovation. From the sports fields to community service projects, young Zambians are showing the world what it means to be resilient, compassionate, and World Ready. I’m honoured to celebrate their achievements and deepen our partnerships here.”
Twaambo Chikoye, National Director of The Award in Zambia, also added: “This visit is a powerful moment for us. It reflects the global recognition of the work being done in Zambia to empower young people through The Award. We are proud of our partnerships and the thousands of young Zambians who are stepping up to become leaders in their communities.”
Zambia’s story is proof of what’s possible when young people are given the tools, support, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Learn more about The Award in Zambia at www.dofezambia.org.
