Government Launches National Volunteer Policy

At today’s launch of the National Volunteer Policy, government minister’s have emphasised that the hard work of the Zambia people is vital to achieving Zambia’s goals for economic development and reduction.

The Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwanba, described volunteer workers as critical for social protection, health and education.

The National Volunteer Policy is set to provide a legal framework for the use of volunteers in the country. Beatrice Mutalti, UN Resident Coordinator, praised the policy as a transparent demonstration of the Government of Zambia’s commitment to the welfare of volunteers and workers.

The launch of the policy coincided with the celebration of International Volunteer Day. UN International Volunteers Day recognises and promotes the tireless work of volunteers promoting change across the world. The theme of this year is “solidarity through volunteering”, harnessing collective humanity to drive positive change. UN volunteers number over 8000 and operate in 40 countries across the world.

The UN volunteers programme began in Zambia in 1982. Current 30 volunteers are posted working in the areas of governance, gender, human rights, electoral support, poverty reduction and climate change.

The Government of Zambia has repeatedly stated its commmitment to involving the Zambian people in driving national development. For example, it has recently launched a marketeers loan scheme designed to improve access to finance for the many citizens operating in the informal economy. In addition, the 2023 budget has significantly increased the constituency development fund. The fund is designed to devolve development decisions to the most local level possible in order to give increased agency to Zambians.