Chitambo Champions: Play, Learn, Lead – An Integrated Approach to Social Inclusion through Education and Sports.

Empowering Chitambo’s children: Enhancing Social Inclusion through Educational Support, Life Skills and Sports.

2. Background and Rationale
Chitambo District in the central province of Zambia faces significant social and educational challenges that place children at a high risk of social exclusion. The district has a high teacher-to-pupil ratio of 1:68 and is home to 4,073 (2031 are male whilst 2042 are female) Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs). Furthermore, there is a total lack of community halls, skills training centers and juvenile correctional facilities in the district.
High illiteracy levels in all ten (10) wards and a low absorption rate of students into secondary schools and tertiary institutions further marginalize the youth. Without quality free-time activities or structured support, these children are at risk of falling into risky models of behaviour.
3. Overall Objectives
To prevent the social exclusion of children aged 7 to 15 in Chitambo District by increasing their involvement in educational, sports-based, and recreational activities, while building the capacity of local systems to support vulnerable children and their families.
4. Specific Objectives
•To establish Community Learning and Sports Hubs that provide a safe environment for education and physical activity.
•To improve the academic and social outcomes of the 4,073 identified OVCs through specialized assistant support.
•To utilize sports as a primary delivery method for fostering life skills, teamwork, and behavioural change.
•To strengthen the link between parents, schools, and social services through regular outreach and support groups.
5. Key Activities
•Establishment of Community Learning Hubs-Utilize existing structures or construct multi-purpose community halls to serve as Free Time Centers for literacy programs and vocational orientation
•Educational Leagues-Use football and netball tournaments as a platform to deliver health education (HIV/ART awareness) and literacy messages.
•Life Skills Coaching-Integrate Prevention from Risky Behaviours programs into regular sports coaching sessions to develop discipline and resilience.
•Inclusive Play-Organize inclusive sports festivals that specifically encourage participation from children with special needs and OVCs.
•Training and Support-Train community volunteers to act as both education assistants and sports mentors to cushion the high teacher-to-pupil ratio.
•Parental Engagement-Form Parent Circles to conduct quarterly home visits and discuss children's progress in both academic and sports programs.
6. Expected Results and Impact
•Increased Engagement-At least 1,000 children (including a high percentage of OVCs) actively participating in regular after-school educational and sports programs.
•Improved Academic Success-a reduction in school dropout rates and higher transition rates from primary to secondary school through personalized assistant support.
•Behavioural Change- a measurable decrease in risky behaviours among youth through the discipline and mentorship provided by organized sports.
•Community Capacity-a strengthened local network of trained volunteers and engaged parents committed to child welfare and social inclusion.

Please note: The full project proposal and a detailed itemized budget covering all activity costs can be requested via our email address.