Cichetekelo Receives Donation From Ndcci On Women's Day

The Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated International Women’s Day at Cichetekelo Youth Project by donating school supplies and food items. Cichetekelo, established in 1997, is a program under Pope John XXIII that supports vulnerable children and youth, including those living or working on the streets, with an annual capacity of 320 individuals aged 9 to 22. Chamber President Mrs. Kabaila praised the project for complementing government efforts in providing education and care, preventing youth from engaging in crime. She emphasized the Chamber’s commitment to social responsibility, highlighting that success is meaningful when shared and that business leaders must also be mentors and responsible citizens. She thanked members and well-wishers for their generous donations, stressing that education is key to progress and innovation. The donation symbolizes hope and opportunity, and she encouraged continued collective efforts to support such initiatives, assuring the youth that their dreams are valid regardless of their background.

The Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated International Women’s Day at Cichetekelo youth project where they donated various school supplies and food items.

CICHETEKELO youth project is an emergency and long intervention program for children living and / or working on the streets. It also provides prevention interventions for other vulnerable and at risk children / youths from ending up on the streets. CYP is one of the realities under Pope John XXIII.

The project began in 1997 with the purpose of assisting 33 male youth picked from a dumping site in one of the high poverty areas of Ndola. The project supports both male and female OVCs between the ages of 9 and 22 and has now grown to an annual capacity of 320 vulnerable youth / children.

The president of the chamber Mrs Kabaila commended Cichetekelo for supplementing government’s efforts of ensuring the vulnerable children at the centre have basic needs of education, care and support thereby giving them hope and preventing them from resorting to a life of crime and engaging in other wrongful vices.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce to supporting projects such as CICHETEKELO stating that as members of the chamber, their role goes beyond being just entrepreneurs and professionals but that they are also parents , mentors and responsible citizens whose interest is not only to create wealth and drive economic growth but to also touch lives and help to shape futures, leaving no one behind .

“ ]Success is truly meaningful when it is shared,” She said. “As Ndola Chamber of Commerce, we remain committed to being a force for good, strengthening the connection between business and the community and ensuring that our success is measured not just by financial growth but by the number of lives we uplift along the way,” She added

Mrs Kabaila took time to thank the Chamber members and well-wishers who had contributed generously to the actualization of the donation, urging them to continue with the same spirit.

“ Education is the foundation of progress. By investing in our young people, we are investing in the future of our city, our nation, and our economy.

A well-educated generation is the key to unlocking innovation, driving sustainable development, and building a thriving community for all. This is why we must continue working together not only as business leaders but as active participants in the social fabric of our society,” She said. “We wish to thank the following members and well-wishers who came through with donations towards our CSR;

·       Natpride limited

·       Voyagers Zambia

·       C.Steinweg bridge

·        Pangaea ADD Capital

·       Pangaea Holdings

·       Late Harvest Agro

·        Mr Anuj Jain

·        Sunshine Millers

·       Shakti Engineering

·       Murtaza Enterprises

·        Masenga Farms

·        Impala Terminals

·       Vitanda

·       Shubham Industries

·       Smart Insurance

·       Sky print

·       Offex Office

·       Connex Africa

·       Katies International

·       Extrusion works.

 “ This donation made possible by the generosity of our chamber members and well-wishers represents more than just material support. It symbolises hope, opportunity, and belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves a fair chance at success,” She said. “ The business community has a crucial role to play in supporting programs such as the ones at CICHETEKELO. When we extend a helping hand, we strengthen the very foundation of our society. We know that the needs are great, and we wish we could do more. But, together with collective effort, we can continue making a difference. To the students, I want to say this. No matter where you come from, your dreams are valid.” She said.