Luapula Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Evans Sikabbubba has called on 32 officers from Kawambwa District in Luapula Province who have been trained under the leadership and Transformation National Social Protection Floors to embrace a shift in mindset toward social protection programmes.
Mr Sikabbubba warned the officers against embracing old working habits if social protection programmes are to effectively help vulnerable communities.
Closing a five-day International Labour Organisation (ILO) and UNICEF sponsored TRANSFORM workshop in Mansa, Mr Sikabbubba said that the province urgently needs proactive leaders capable of transforming the lives of poor and vulnerable citizens.
He disclosed that the workshop focused on strengthening leadership and social protection systems to improve service delivery in communities affected by poverty, drought, unemployment, low literacy levels and declining livelihoods.
He stated that Luapula Province continues to record some of the country’s highest poverty levels, ranging between 76 and 80 percent depending on the district.
Mr Sikabbubba noted that the severe 2024 drought had worsened the situation affecting over nine million people through crop failures, livestock losses, food insecurity, and power shortages.
The PS also revealed that poverty in Luapula Province is driven by several structural challenges, including low agricultural productivity, declining fish stocks, environmental degradation, limited employment opportunities, poor health services and low literacy levels.
“Such challenges require a completely new approach to leadership and programme implementation. The old ways of doing things will not work. Therefore, we need a change in mindset and proactive leaders who design, implement, and monitor programmes with energy and accountability,” Mr Sikabbubba said.
He called on facilitators and the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services to strengthen follow-up mechanisms and regularly monitor districts to assess how the TRANSFORM principles would be implemented.
And Kawambwa District Commissioner, Christopher Chanda described the TRANSFORM training as a major step toward promoting a life-cycle approach to social protection.
Mr Chanda said social protection should not merely be viewed as charity or relief assistance, but as a fundamental human right that must uphold dignity and fairness for every citizen.
“Sustainable development requires addressing risks and vulnerabilities at every stage of life while promoting empowerment and resilience rather than dependency,” Mr Chanda said.
Ministry of Community Development Chief Planner-Policy Coordination, Susan Musonda said the participants have been equipped with skills and mindset to strengthen coordination, innovate locally relevant solutions, and transform social protection delivery in Kawambwa.
