Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary for Budget and Economic Affairs Mwaka Mukubesa says Zambia’s Grow Zambia Agenda must translate economic growth into improved living conditions for vulnerable citizens, particularly children.
Mrs Mukubesa said economic growth would only be meaningful if its benefits reached all citizens and improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare and nutrition.
She was speaking today at Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre in Lusaka when she handed over donated foodstuffs, bedding and other essential supplies to support children at the institution ahead of Zambia’s 62nd Independence anniversary.
Mrs Mukubesa said the donation was in line with this year’s Independence theme, “Zambia @62 Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future,” which calls for reflection on the country’s development journey and a renewed commitment to an inclusive and prosperous future.
She said the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic growth, unlock productive potential and create employment opportunities, should ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
Mrs Mukubesa stressed that investing in children’s welfare, education, healthcare, nutrition and protection was essential to building the country’s human capital and securing its future prosperity.
“The children we nurture today are the citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape our country tomorrow,” she said.
She said the donated items were intended to provide practical assistance to the centre and improve the comfort and well-being of the children under its care.
Mrs Mukubesa added that, beyond material assistance, children needed access to quality education, adequate nutrition, healthcare and psychosocial support to enable them to develop their abilities and reach their full potential.
She said the Ministry remained committed to supporting responsible financial planning and the allocation of public resources towards policies and programmes that addressed the needs of vulnerable populations.
Mrs Mukubesa has urged Zambians to work together in building a prosperous nation where every child had an equal opportunity to learn, develop and contribute to national development, regardless of their circumstances.
Meanwhile, Ministry Director of Economic, Human Resource and Administration, Nalituba Mwale said every child deserved an opportunity to develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country’s future.
Mrs Mwale said independence is not only about celebrating the country’s freedom but also reflecting on the collective responsibility to ensure that every child had an opportunity to succeed.
She urged communities to work together to protect children, nurture their abilities and create a future where no child felt forgotten or left behind.
Mrs Mwale encouraged the children at the institution to remain hopeful, continue learning and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they might face.
She also commended caregivers for their dedication to supporting vulnerable children and urged them to continue with their work of providing care and guidance.
And Founder and Director of Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre, Angela Miyanda, has urged the Permanent Secretary to present issues affecting children at the institution that may require assistance.
Mrs Miyanda said the occasion was significant as the country prepares to celebrate its independence tomorrow.
Mrs Miyanda said Independence Day serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, noting that some of the children at the centre are refugees.
She said the presence of refugee children at the institution highlights the importance of appreciating the peace Zambia enjoys.
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