Govt Champions Stakeholder Collaboration to Boost Literacy and Social Protection 

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has underscored the vital role of literacy in enhancing the effectiveness of social protection programmes, calling for stronger stakeholder collaboration to accelerate progress.

Speaking at a symposium during the ongoing International Literacy Conference in Samfya District, Community Development Director Mr Changano Ngoi highlighted the Ministry’s partnerships with key institutions such as the Ministries of Education and Local Government, alongside various development partners, in implementing literacy initiatives.

Mr Ngoi explained that literacy programmes provide individuals with the ability to read and write before transitioning them to competence-based training in Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVET) approved institutions.

“The literacy and skills training equip participants to earn a living and improve their livelihoods. We therefore call for coordinated stakeholder collaboration to promote literacy,” he said.

He cited the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL) programme as a key example, noting that it empowers women with literacy skills and business knowledge, enabling them to grow their enterprises. He further stressed that literacy is essential to digitalised programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer, where beneficiaries need to read mobile messages to safeguard themselves from exploitation.

Mr Ngoi also pointed to livelihood initiatives such as precision farming, which require basic literacy to ensure resilience and long-term success. By linking literacy to livelihood training, the Ministry aims to deepen the impact of social protection interventions on poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Beneficiaries have already experienced tangible benefits. Eighty-year-old Ms Fostina Chanda and 71-year-old Ms Alice Musonda, both Social Cash Transfer recipients from Lunte District, testified that literacy training has enabled them to read, write and confidently access their funds at mobile banking booths without fear of being duped.

The International Literacy Conference, being held under the theme “Strengthening Literacy through Policy Reform and Digital Innovation: Zambia’s Strategic Response”, has drawn stakeholders from across the country to share strategies for advancing literacy as a tool for empowerment and inclusive development.