U.S. Embassy Zambia

Congratulations to the 13 provincial soccer coaches and administrators from Zambia who recently departed to the United States for a two-week Sports Visitor Program funded by the U.S. government. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Linnisa Wahid, Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, and Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga met the participants to bid them farewell.

The program's goal is to build the capacity of community and youth soccer coaches and administrators to develop girls’ leadership and participation in soccer. The program also promotes sports as a tool for youth leadership, mentorship of young people, and inclusion.

The coaches and administrators will participate in skills development workshops and field demonstrations, attend the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention in California, and build professional networks with American and foreign coaches.

📣Attention, prospective graduate students!!

We invite everyone interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in the U.S. for an information session this Thursday 11 January at 09:30 at the U.S. Embassy with Makaya Chilekwa, an EducationUSA alumna.

Registration is mandatory in order to attend. Register at this link: https://bit.ly/EdUsessionwithMakaya. Registration closes on Tuesday 9 January at 16:00.

Makaya will share tips on the U.S. university application process, writing personal statements, student life in the U.S., and applying for financial aid. This program is strictly for students who want to pursue postgraduate studies. All attendees should arrive at least 30 minutes before the program starts. We hope you can join us!

More info on Makaya: Makaya was awarded a scholarship to pursue a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University in the U.S. in 2017. Upon graduating in 2021, she worked as a research assistant in a biomedical engineering lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is currently a Chemical Engineering PhD student at Johns Hopkins University.

U.S. Embassy Zambia U.S. Embassy Zambia: Promoting peace, health, democracy, and economic prosperity in Zambia.

Last week U.S. Embassy Zambia Public Affairs Officer Phil Dimon joined Minister of Tourism Hon. Rodney Malindi Sikumba at an event to celebrate a group of Zambian students in the tourism and hospitality sector who will travel to the United States! The students will participate in an educational exchange program supported by Alliance Abroad that enables them to gain work experience with prominent hotel chains and tourism corporations via a paid internship of up to 12 months.

Over the past several months, the U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Zambia Institute for Tourism & Hospitality Studies (ZITHS) and Alliance Abroad, has been exploring opportunities to provide internship and professional development opportunities for Zambian students and young professionals in the tourism and hospitality sector.

We thank the Ministry of Tourism, ZITHS, and Alliance Abroad for their partnership and investment in Zambia’s youth!

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Early treatment can prevent deaths.

deaths can be prevented through rehydration and early treatment

Take the patient immediately to the nearest health facility. The sick person should continue to drink ORS while seeking care. DO NOT DELAY!

Important message from Ministry of Health Zambia.

not drink water from shallow wells

Women, start 2024 with self-discovery, career, and entrepreneurship goals! The Teresa Heart Foundation, under the Young Women Lead Project, in collaboration with American Spaces Zambia, invites you to apply for a three-month virtual and on-site entrepreneurship training starting on January 11.

Deadline to apply is January 7. Please apply here: https://bit.ly/WomenCareerEnhancement. Programs at American Spaces are always free. Limited space available. Participants will be selected based on a review of applications. Apply now!

Are you a Zambian aged 18-35 working within the civic engagement space and would like to strengthen your professional skills? Diamond Incubator’s Wave Program, in collaboration with American Spaces, invites you to participate in a five-week inaugural program to be held at U.S. Embassy Zambia in the American Center for Leadership.

This program starts January 17, and interested participants must apply by January 10 using the following link: https://bit.ly/CivicEngagement11. Programs at American Spaces are always free. Limited space available – apply now! Participants will be selected based on a review of applications.

Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future! In 2024, the U.S. Embassy remains committed to supporting educational initiatives in Zambia. Let's empower the next generation of leaders through knowledge and opportunities. Together, we can shape a better tomorrow. Learn more about our educational and professional exchange programs:

Education & Exchanges The U.S. Department of State offers many programs for non-U.S. citizens wishing to come to the U.S. for cultural, educational, or professional exchange.

Today in History:

The Emancipation Proclamation is arguably one of the most important documents in the history of the United States – and went into effect on January 1, 1863. This proclamation led the way to total abolition of slavery in the United States.

During the U.S. Civil War, which pitted the Union states of the North against the Southern states of the Confederacy, President Lincoln issued the proclamation not once but twice — first, in a preliminary form on September 22, 1862, stipulating that it would go into effect on January 1, 1863, if the Southern states had not ended their rebellion by that date.

When the Confederacy refused to yield, Lincoln issued the second, and final, Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, changing the legal status under federal law of more than 3.5 million African Americans in the secessionist Confederate states from enslaved to free.

The proclamation, however, was not complete. It did not apply to the nearly 500,000 enslaved African Americans in the Union’s slave-holding border states or to enslaved people in Tennessee. The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution formally abolished slavery throughout the United States in 1865, but Lincoln’s status as an emancipator was established by his issuance of the proclamation and by the Union’s victory over the Confederacy.

https://share.america.gov/what-does-january-1-signify-lincoln-legacy/

: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) 2024!!

Calling all U.S. government exchange program alumni! The AEIF 2024 grant opportunity is now open, supporting alumni-led projects that bring innovative solutions to challenges faced by local communities in Zambia.

We're seeking proposals for projects promoting accountability and transparency, building civic participation and good governance, promoting entrepreneurship and economic development for women, youth, those with disabilities, or others from marginalized communities, promoting clean cooking, addressing climate change or deforestation, or other areas where alumni can use their expertise to respond to a community need.

Grant amount: Ranges from $5,000 to $35,000 USD.

To apply, visit: https://zm.usembassy.gov/notice-of-funding-opportunity-alumni-engagement-innovation-fund/

Application deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024

Notice of Funding Opportunity: Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2024) Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Happy holidays! The U.S. Embassy Marines recently visited the Leopard’s Rock Community Center here in Lusaka to distribute holiday gifts to local young children. The gifts were donated through a program called Toys for Tots, run by the United States Marine Corps. This special program was started by a U.S. Marine reservist in 1947 as a way to provide toys to kids whose parents may struggle to afford gifts for Christmas. A few weeks before Christmas, the Marines place a donation box in the U.S. Embassy to collect gifts of toys donated by Embassy employees. Each year, they gather the gifts and distribute them to local children in need. Over the years, the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program has distributed over 530 million toys to over 244 million children; U.S. Embassy Zambia’s Marine detachment is proud to be part of this long tradition of holiday cheer and goodwill.

The United States contributes more than $1 billion to the Green Climate Fund to help countries severely affected by climate change. The focus is on supporting nations that have contributed the least to the climate crisis.

This commitment is part of President Biden's plan to increase U.S. international climate financing for developing countries to more than $11 billion annually by 2024. The Green Climate Fund focuses on initiatives that address and alleviate the impacts of climate change, with a particular emphasis on supporting vulnerable countries.

U.S. support plays a role in worldwide endeavors to enhance resilience, safeguard endangered regions, and advance low-emission and climate-resilient development.
https://share.america.gov/us-to-give-green-climate-fund-another-1-billion/

Merry Christmas, Zambia!

The U.S. Embassy in Zambia is lighting up with joy and unity this Christmas! 🎅

We're excited to share a scene of our festive decorations and a message of peace and goodwill.

Every light we kindle symbolizes a spark of unity and peace we wish for the world. Each ornament on our tree marks a hope for harmony and togetherness in our diverse world.

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Christmas that transcends boundaries, bridges gaps, and fosters understanding between cultures and nations.

Climate change intensifies global food security challenges through extreme weather events, jeopardizing our food supply. Rising temperatures and sea levels lead to heat waves, droughts, floods, cyclones, and wildfires, impacting farmers and restricting access to adequate food. The increased frequency and intensity of these events, linked to human-induced climate change, disrupt global food supply chains, creating a crisis of natural disasters.

It's time for action! The U.S. government has committed substantial financial assistance since February, with plans to collaborate with Congress to invest over $11 billion worldwide in the next five years. Join the movement to promote durable agricultural production resilient to climate change and extreme weather events. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes the crucial role of building food security to protect people worldwide. Your action matters – let's combat climate-induced food insecurity together!

Learn more: https://share.america.gov/how-climate-change-affects-food-crisis/

📢📣CALLING ALL students 📣📢 with U.S. university admissions for SPRING 2024! Congratulations! We are so excited for you and wish you the best on your coming adventure. You are cordially invited to attend a special EdUSA Zambia Pre-Departure Orientation: "What to Know Before You Go and Study in the United States." We will discuss cultural differences, banking, motivation, changes from your home environment, academic systems and expectations, housing, finances, health system, coping in a new cultural setting, and much more.

The pre-departure orientation will be held at the U.S. Embassy on January 3rd, 2024, at 09:00. Come with ALL your questions! ✈️✈️ Pre-registration is required. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/zspdospring24

For two decades, PEPFAR has been a game-changer in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Launched in 2003, it has saved over 25 million lives and slashed HIV-related deaths by a staggering 68%.

In Zambia, PEPFAR has been instrumental in a remarkable turnaround. Average life expectancy has soared from 44 to 62 in just 20 years, largely thanks to the program's investments in healthcare infrastructure, training, and disease prevention. PEPFAR's success extends beyond statistics, fostering economic growth and social progress in partner countries like Zambia.

PEPFAR's integrative approach recognizes the interconnectedness of health and addresses conditions like cervical cancer, cardiovascular disease, and tuberculosis often associated with HIV/AIDS. This comprehensive strategy has boosted early detection and treatment, improving overall health outcomes.

For more on PEPFAR's transformative journey, visit

The HIV/AIDS fight's far-reaching benefits for global health PEPFAR's strengthening of health care systems to combat HIV/AIDS has brought a host of other benefits for public health. Find out how.

Every year, over 200 million people catch malaria, and it mainly affects children under 5. In 2022, the U.S. pledged a significant amount of money to fight diseases like malaria. In Katete, a team is using satellite maps to combat malaria. The disease cases increased significantly in 2020, especially in the Katete district. These maps help the team plan better ways to stop malaria, such as spraying insecticides and distributing bed nets. They used special tools to get accurate data, creating improved maps. With these maps, the team can locate small communities they missed before, treating more houses and saving money. The maps also indicate distances between villages, aiding in better planning. Now, the team uses the data for various purposes, like determining how many bed nets to bring and addressing water and sanitation issues. Overall, these maps are making a significant impact on keeping people healthy.
https://share.america.gov/how-satellite-imagery-helps-fight-against-malaria/

: Are you looking for an undergraduate merit scholarship? Check out the International Merit Scholarship at Saint Michael’s College.

The International Merit Scholarship awards international students with strong academic profiles up to $30,000 USD. All international applicants are automatically considered for merit-based aid.

Learn more ➡️https://educationusa.state.gov/scholarships/international-merit-scholarship-9.

In Zambia, the United States, in collaboration with the United Nations and local partners, actively addresses diverse challenges children face, focusing on ensuring adequate food, healthcare, and nutrition in rural areas.

Initiatives by UNICEF and U.S. agencies, including ready-to-use therapeutic food distribution and rural health center establishment, are part of the coordinated Feed the Future initiative targeting poverty and malnutrition.

U.S.-supported education programs boost literacy rates, like UNICEF's catch-up initiative and USAID's Let’s Read project. The Power of Love Foundation complements efforts by managing HIV among adolescents through education and vocational training.

These comprehensive actions aim to foster a conducive environment for children's development, prioritizing nutritional well-being and educational progress.
https://share.america.gov/how-us-supports-children-in-zambia/

U.S. exchange program alumni are everywhere! Check out this graphic showing current and former heads of state who participated in U.S. exchange programs. Do you see someone you recognize?

Today, 30 ambassadors to the United States are alumni of U.S. exchange programs. And seven heads of government are exchange alums!

Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) in 2010. The IVLP is a U.S. government-sponsored exchange program that brings emerging leaders worldwide to the United States for professional development and cross-cultural experiences.

Learn more here: https://share.america.gov/international-exchanges-shape-leaders-of-communities-and-countries/

Did you know that 75 years ago, on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was ratified, articulating for the first time the rights and freedoms to which every person is entitled?

During the inaugural United Nations General Assembly session in 1946, the organization proposed creating a document to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The first article of the UDHR states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”

Influenced by the core values of the U.S. Constitution, the UDHR affirmed that “the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”
Learn more: https://share.america.gov/u-s-values-echo-in-universal-declaration-of-human-rights/

Ambassador Gonzales received his COVID-19 booster shot to protect himself, his family, and his community.

Have you gotten your COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot yet?

If you haven’t received your vaccination or booster yet, visit your nearest health clinic to get vaccinated.

Youngerson Matete, a , ardently champions electoral and political reforms in his homeland. He remains resilient in the face of abduction and torture.

Today, he mentors over 70 young political aspirants. In his compelling Ignite Talk for , Matete declares, "Africa, this is your time. Change is imminent and achievable through collective mobilization."

Explore how YALI promotes youth-led civic engagement in his inspiring speech:

Youngerson Matete, Michigan State University 2023 Fellow Youngerson Matete is a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow from Michigan State University. Ignite Talk content, including photos and videos, was prepa...

The journey continues!

While our campaign wraps up, the spirit of collaboration lives on.

Over the past few months, we've heard the voices of Zambians whose lives were touched by the US-Zambia partnership. Their passion, resilience, and achievements show the power of collaboration and how our two countries work together to create positive change.

As we conclude this campaign, let's carry these stories forward and continue fostering a future of shared success!

Hello, I'm Chibuye Chirumba, a teacher with ten years of experience in the Ministry of Education. Recently, I participated in the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program at Georgia State University in Atlanta, USA, gaining invaluable insights into technology integration, unique teaching approaches, and practical strategies for large class sizes. Connecting with teachers from diverse backgrounds enriched my professional growth, fostering a collaborative spirit that transcended cultural differences.

This experience equips me to address challenges in the Zambian classroom and make a positive impact. The knowledge gained, especially in Continuous Professional Development programs, will enable me to contribute innovative teaching techniques and strategies, collaborating with fellow program participants to benefit the Zambian teaching community.

I express my gratitude to the U.S. government and the dedicated team at Georgia State University for this exceptional program, inspiring us to strive for positive change in our respective countries. It has been a truly gratifying experience.

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, gathered earlier this month to light the menorah for the first night of Hanukkah. Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, extends eight days. The lit candles are, in the words of the Vice President, “a reminder that even in darkness, we can bring forth the light.” As this Hanukkah comes to a close, we wish those who celebrate a happy Hanukkah!

Meet Sister Nyambe, a student teacher at Charles Lwanga College of Education in Zambia, who radiates with enthusiasm for her studies. She praises the dedication of her lecturers, who tirelessly equip their students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective teachers.

"We are constantly learning new information," Sister Nyambe shares, "which helps us develop the efficiency to deliver impactful lessons."

Sister Nyambe's future in education is further brightened by a program supported by USAID, the Transforming Teacher Education activity. This program equips teachers with valuable new strategies to effectively cater to learners facing various barriers, including language and literacy challenges. Understanding the fundamental role of reading and writing in student success, the program prioritizes building a solid foundation in these crucial areas.

The U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission, Linnisa Wahid, recently unveiled the final report of the 2021 Zambia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.

The report reveals significant progress in the collaborative efforts between the U.S. and Zambia in combatting HIV/AIDS. There's optimistic news that epidemic control in Zambia by 2025 is genuinely achievable. This success is attributed to technical expertise, scientific leadership from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and strong partnerships with the Ministry of Health, other government agencies, implementing partners, and communities.

Noteworthy achievements include 89% of Zambian adults aged 15 and older living with HIV being aware of their status, 98% of those aware being on treatment, and 96% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. These positive outcomes highlight the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in collecting and analyzing survey data, leading to continuous improvements in HIV/AIDS programs.

Integrity Committees are an essential part of local authorities to ensure fairness and honesty in all activities and are required under the Anti-Corruption Act. Integrity Committees develop and execute an Annual Corruption Prevention Action Plan, lead and facilitate corruption prevention initiatives, and maintain ethical policies within the organization.

The U.S. government’s Local Impact project, sponsored by USAID, leads training that provides participants of Integrity Committees with comprehensive insights into corruption, along with effective strategies to combat it, and empowers participants to recognize areas of corruption risk within an organization and devise effective measures to mitigate these risks.

Today, Ambassador Gonzales observed a training for local authorities from Mumbwa, Kabwe, Shibuyunji, Kapiri, and Ngabwe to develop their Integrity Committees.

Exciting news! I’m Dr. Charity Meki Kombe, a lecturer and Acting Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies at Mulungushi University in Kabwe. I’m thrilled to share my incredible journey in the U.S. as part of the Study of United States Institutes (SUSI) program on Youth, Workforce Development, and Closing the Skills Gap. Thanks to the U.S. Department of State, I had the privilege of exploring the 21st-century economy and industries of the future at the University of Montana from September 14 to 28, 2022.

Joined by 15 scholars from 16 countries, we delved into cultural immersion and leadership activities. From visiting Flathead Indian Reservation to engaging with institutions like Missoula College, it was a unique experience! These activities provided me with numerous opportunities to understand communities in the U.S., promoting a deeper understanding of local culture and forging meaningful connections.

Thanks to a SUSI grant, I initiated a transformative project to equip unemployed graduate teachers in Kabwe with crucial knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship. The primary goal was to contribute to reducing unemployment by promoting self-employment. Results? 21 unemployed teachers in Kabwe received entrepreneurship training to reduce unemployment and encourage self-employment. The journey didn't end there – these individuals continue to share their stories and experiences.

The impact is real! Notably, shortly after the SUSI training in the U.S., one of the participants, John K.S Sikwa, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the program on his page. His inspiring words echoed the transformative impact of the training: “With a change of mindset, you begin to identify yourself as a ‘problem solver,’ ready and able to usurp every opportunity lingering around.”

🙏 Big thanks to the U.S. government for supporting initiatives that empower Zambian youth. Let’s keep collaborating for a brighter future!