By Pagiel Katongo
December 31, 2024
Throughout history, civil service programs have proven to be instrumental in shaping nations, inspiring patriotism, and empowering the youth to contribute meaningfully to society. In Zambia, the Zambia National Service (ZNS) voluntary work remains a shining example of such initiatives.
First established under President Kenneth Kaunda, ZNS embodied the ideals of discipline, skill development, and nation-building. Today, the reintroduction of this initiative by His Excellency, the Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, offers hope and renewed vision for addressing youth unemployment and economic stagnation, which has been a challenge for the past.
The Zambia National Service, originally launched in 1971, was not merely a program but an institution designed to harness the potential of young citizens for national development. It engaged school leavers to be part of sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and vocational training while instilling a strong sense of discipline akin to military regimentation. Participants were equipped with skills that were directly applicable to Zambia’s developmental needs.
The challenges facing Zambia today—youth unemployment, rapid urbanisation, social inequalities, and a lack of vocational skills—mirror those of the past but have grown in scale and complexity.
President Hichilema’s decision to reintroduce the voluntary ZNS is not merely a revival of a historical program; it is a strategic response to these pressing challenges. A reimagined voluntary service offers the potential to transform Zambia’s socio-economic landscape while inspiring a generation to dream and achieve more.
The reintroduction of voluntary services presents a unique opportunity to empower the youth through practical skills development. In a country where unemployment rates among young people are alarmingly high, ZNS offers a solution by equipping participants with hands-on skills in various fields.
During the Kaunda era, participants were trained in areas such as agriculture and construction. Similarly, the modern ZNS curriculum can include emerging fields like information technology, renewable energy, and agro-processing.
By aligning training with the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the voluntary service can prepare young people not only for employment but also for entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to national development.
Beyond skills development, ZNS has the potential to strengthen national unity and patriotism. Zambia’s strength lies in its diversity, but this diversity can sometimes lead to divisions. ZNS provides a platform where young people from different backgrounds work together toward common goals.
Countries like Rwanda have successfully implemented similar programs, and Zambia can draw lessons from these examples to build stronger bonds among its citizens. For example, the initiative can contribute to community development projects such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
The structured environment of ZNS also provides a platform for addressing social challenges. For many young people, particularly those at risk of drug abuse, early pregnancies, or delinquency, ZNS offers mentorship, guidance, and a sense of purpose.
In the 1980s, ZNS initiatives helped reduce rural-to-urban migration by creating opportunities in rural areas, curbing the growth of informal settlements in cities such as Lusaka. A revitalized ZNS can replicate and enhance this success, promoting balanced regional development while addressing social ills.
Furthermore, the reintroduction of voluntary services is poised to enhance agricultural and economic productivity. Agriculture remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, and ZNS can play a critical role in revitalizing this sector.
Historically, ZNS farms contributed to food security by producing maize and other crops. Today, a modernized national voluntary could integrate advanced farming techniques, agro-processing, and value chain development, enabling participants to contribute significantly to local economies and international markets, for example, Kenya. Such initiatives would not only enhance food security but also create employment opportunities and stimulate rural development.
Equally important is the cultivation of civic responsibility and a culture of voluntary service. Unlike mandatory participation, voluntary involvement in ZNS fosters a genuine sense of contribution and pride. Participants gain a deeper appreciation for service, discipline, and hard work—values that resonate throughout their lives and inspire others in society.
However, reintroducing national voluntary service is not without challenges. Funding remains a significant hurdle, as programs of this scale require substantial investment. Public-private partnerships could provide a sustainable solution, with private sector stakeholders contributing to training and resource provision.
Inclusivity is another critical factor. The new national voluntary service must be accessible to all, including individuals with disabilities and those from marginalized communities. Moreover, the curriculum must be modernized to reflect contemporary needs, from digital literacy to climate resilience, ensuring that participants are adequately prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
The reintroduction of ZNS voluntary work by President Hichilema is not just a policy decision; it is a bold vision for transforming Zambia’s youth into skilled, disciplined, and patriotic citizens.
By drawing lessons from the past and integrating modern innovations, this initiative has the potential to address some of Zambia’s most pressing challenges, including unemployment, social inequality, and economic underperformance.
Let us not only dream of a better Zambia but work collectively to realise it. The reawakening of national voluntary services marks the beginning of a new chapter in our country’s history—one that empowers the youth, unites the nation, and sets Zambia on a path toward sustainable development and prosperity.
