First Lady Thandiwe Banda was today installed and badged as Patron of the Girl Guide Association of Zambia (GGAZ).
And the First Lady has promised to take the girls movement to greater heights by upholding the values attached to the principles of Girl Guide.
Mrs Banda in her acceptance speech commended GGAZ for shaping the young girls and women to become responsible citizens through the provision of non-formal education programmes.
She said the time to for girls to take up their rightful positions in society was now to grow into responsible adults.
She said the movement has focused on the importance of protecting and safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of girls and young women noting that girl education ranks among the most powerful tools for reducing vices that contribute to becoming vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and poverty.
Other past Patrons of the GGAZ are Mama Betty Kaunda, former First Lady Vera Chiluba, and immediate former First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa.
And speaking earlier, GGAZ Chief Commissioner Janet Sitali pledged her organization’s commitment to bringing the First Lady on board so that she can be a role model to the girls and young women.
Mrs. Sitali said the movement has a total of 23, 662 direct and indirect active members who promote Girl Guide development in the country.
And Youth, Sport and Child Development Permanent Secretary Susan Sikaneta disclosed that her ministry will consider increasing budgetary allocation to the activities of Girl Guide through monthly grants.
Ms Sikaneta retaliated government’s commitment to supporting and developing youth programmes for young people.
And passing a vote of thanks, a Girl Guide Ranger Sylvia Chivunda said the movement is proud that the association is spearheaded by the First Lady.
Sylvia commended government for being an all weather friend of youth development programmes and challenged her fellow young people to rise to the occasion and realize their full potential
ZANIS
I thought since she was a woman she’d be called Matron. Is me who just doesn’t know enough Englis or is it because Thandi sometimes looks like a boy?
#1 That is my problem also. She should be Matron, but maybe there hasn’t been a matron so ugly as Thandiwe, hence she is the PATRON for Girls. She could as well be CHAIRMAN for a Women’s club…………. Aber ich mache nur Spaß!!!!!!!!
Bad choice. All the girls will now aspire to marry their grandfathers! maweee!
lol…………………