Stories from our Team
Our Stories
James Shaba - Facilitator
I am a dedicated individual driven by a passion for education, social justice, and empowering marginalized communities. My journey began after completing my Grade 12 education in 2008, which set the foundation for my pursuit of knowledge and service to society.
Following my secondary education, I embarked on a path of learning and skill acquisition in various fields. I delved into psychosocial counseling, earning a certificate from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and a diploma from Mansfield University. This training equipped me with the necessary tools to provide support and guidance to individuals facing psychological challenges.
Eager to expand my expertise, I took on numerous courses in health-related fields, earning several certificates along the way. My commitment to enhancing community well-being led me to undertake Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) studies at Nsanje Hills Training Institute, further sharpening my skills in assessing program effectiveness and impact.
Currently, I am a third-year student at ICOF University, where I am pursuing a diploma in primary teaching. Education has always been a cornerstone of my values, and I am dedicated to nurturing the next generation of learners to reach their full potential.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I have been actively involved in the noble cause of social and gender justice. As a Facilitator with ARISE for Social and Gender Justice, a Non-Governmental Organization based in Zambia, I play a key role in addressing the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in both rural and urban communities.
ARISE’s programs focus on education, health empowerment, advocating for the rights of marginalized women and girls, and promoting gender equality. Through my involvement with ARISE, I have participated in crucial training sessions conducted by the organization’s team at the prestigious Best Western Hotel in Lusaka.
During the training, I engaged with a wide range of essential topics, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, STIs, facilitation skills, menstrual health hygiene, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence, harmful social norms, and basic counseling techniques. These experiences have deepened my understanding of key social issues and equipped me with the tools to make a positive impact in the lives of those I serve.
As I continue on my journey of learning, growth, and service, I am committed to leveraging my knowledge and skills to create a more just and inclusive society where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
CHITUNTU TEZZY CHILESHE - Success Story
My journey with the ARISE 4SG JUSTICE for Social and Gender Justice has been nothing short of transformative. From the moment I joined their training program, I knew I was embarking on a path that would not only enrich my own understanding but also contribute positively to society.
The training sessions were enlightening, offering a deep dive into the complexities of social and gender issues. Each session left me with a new perspective and a set of practical tools to enact change. I found myself growing not just in knowledge, but in confidence, ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
One of the most impactful aspects of my experience has been facilitating workshops with boys in the community. These sessions provided a platform for open dialogue and introspection. We delved into topics like toxic masculinity, consent, and respect, challenging societal norms and fostering a culture of empathy and understanding.
Through these workshops, I witnessed firsthand the power of education and conversation in shaping attitudes and behaviors. It became clear to me that the work we were doing was not just important, but essential in paving the way towards a more equitable future.
The AARISE 4SG JUSTICE commitment to promoting gender justice is unwavering, and it’s evident in every aspect of their program. By empowering me with knowledge and resources, the Organisation created ripple effects that extend far beyond the confines of our workshops.
As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful cause. Working with the ARISE 4SG JUSTICE for Social and Gender Justice has not only enriched my life, but it has also reaffirmed my belief in the power of collective action to drive positive change.
Blackson Phiri- Facilitator
Greetings to you all
Arise for social and gender justice is an organization which has core values of bringing sanity and fairness in the community and improving relationships between boys/Girls and parent /children.
I have attended several workshop’s as a facilitator and trained , my experience was/is so amazing that is character building , personal development as a leader and advocate of peace and equal living in the society.
My experience as a facilitator while teaching the young boys was both amazing and shocking . It was shocking in the sense that I realized that we live in a corrupt community whose young boys are 💯% affected with ignorance,damaged brains ( the level of drug abuse, and alcoholism) regardless of the age also the gap between parents and the young boys . Having said so the experience was amazing because we managed to influence and impact them with positivity in terms of dangers about drug abuse, sexual transmitted disease and social abuse
The coming of Arise for social and gender justice in the communities is a bridge to communicate effectively with the boys, and also helping parents who can’t manage to speak to there children directly and by so doing the organization is reducing levels of crime , early marriages and social discrimination and abuse by it’s sensitization and positive massages.
JUSTINA CHIKANYA
Justina Chikanya is 27 year old young lady who is born from a family of six girls. She was born and raised in a small community called Kalingalinga in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. She always had a dream of becoming a Nurse in order to help out the sick, troubled and injured people on all various age groups. With a push she had from her biggest inspiration, her Mother, she managed to attain a degree in Nursing.
She attended her University training from Lusaka Apex Medical University in July, 2017 and attained a Bachelors of Science Nursing Degree in December, 2021. University came with challenges; it came with fails and backlashes in some courses that required her to re-sit for them. Despite it being so hard and shameful, she never gave up even with fails she experienced in different semesters. Her mother who was her biggest inspiration had always shared wise teachings with her which were “in life, open every door that you possibly can, and the doors that closes, let them close and just keep walking through the ones that remain open”. That was all she needed to continue pursuing her dream, of course her lecturers where so helpful in all her academic journey.
Furthermore, in December, 2022, she started offering her Voluntary Nursing Services at a nearby Clinic with the approval of Ministry of Health Zambia in her Community to help the sick people in many medical ways possible until now. She believes in growing her career and attaining new knowledge in every way possible, therefore, in order to give back to her community, she was offered a role as a Facilitator by the ARISE for Social and Gender Justice. This is a Non- overnmental Organisation based in Zambia that addresses the needs of orphans/vulnerable children in both rural and urban communities through various programs like education, health empowerment, advocates for the right of marginalised women and girls and promotes gender equality.
The Facilitators training under ARISE for Social and Gender Justice was conducted by the ARISE team from 8th April to 11th April, 2024 from Best western hotel, Lusaka. In the training, it tackled topics in HIV/ AIDS- prevention and treatment, STIs, facilitation skills, menstrual health hygiene, SRHR, gender based violence, harmful and social norms and basic counselling. She described the training as impactful and knowledgeable as it was an eye opener to the many things that she has been seeing happening in her community. She was well informed of the different treatment methods of HIV/AIDS including the new method of PrEP, long-acting treatment called CAB-LA which is given to people who are HIV negative and are trying to prevent them from contacting the virus. CAB-LA is an intramuscular injection administered in a space of four weeks apart and the second dose of injection is given after every eight weeks. This treatment was recently introduced in Zambia through Ministry of Health. She also learnt that some girls in rural parts Zimbabwe use Cow Dug in place of sanitary towels due to inflation according to Africa news.
Going forward, she said it takes a lot of learning to be the change she wants to see in her community, and it requires continuous development. Therefore, the Facilitators training were insightful in ways that she lacked understanding especially with regards to sexual reproductive rights and gender transformative approaches. Realizations of daily needs are not always about a girl/woman but it is so imperative that we include boys/men too in order to achieve a safe and convenient environment for both genders and sex.
MAUREEN LIBINGA
Meet Maureen Libinga, a 22-year-old woman who has always had a passion for gender equality and social justice. Maureen attended a girls’ school where she interacted with girls from different backgrounds and gained insight into the unique challenges that young women face.
Inspired by her experiences in high school, Maureen decided to pursue a degree in gender studies at university. She wanted to deepen her understanding of the issues affecting women and work towards creating a more just and equitable society.
In April 2024, Maureen had the opportunity to attend a training program organized by the NGO Arise for Social and Gender Justice. The training covered a range of important topics, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, STIs, menstrual health hygiene, SRHR, gender-based violence, harmful social norms, and basic counseling skills.
During the training at the Best Western Plus in Lusaka, Maureen gained valuable insights into these topics, especially in relation to HIV/AIDS new prevention methods such as Dual prevention pill (which is a form of pre-exposure prophylaxis) also Cab-la (an injectable form of pre-exposure prophylaxis). She learned about the harmful social and cultural norms that can impact women’s health, such as breast ironing, which can potentially lead to breast cancer and development of cysts and other health issues later in life.
Maureen was deeply moved by the injustices that women face simply because of their gender. She felt a strong sense of duty to educate others about the harmful effects of these norms, particularly on young girls.
After the training, Maureen and her fellow participants representing Arise for Social and Gender Justice went to facilitate a workshop for girls at Chainda Community School. They covered topics such as menstrual hygiene, SRHR, gender-based violence, harmful social norms, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment as well as STIs.
The girls at the school were receptive to Maureen’s message and eager to learn more about how to protect their health and rights. Maureen was touched by their enthusiasm and grateful for the opportunity to empower them with knowledge.
At the end of the workshop, Maureen and her team distributed sanitary towels to the girls, bringing smiles to their faces. Maureen left the school feeling inspired and motivated to continue educating others about the importance of gender equality and social justice.
As she looks forward to facilitating more workshops in the future, Maureen knows that knowledge is power. By sharing her expertise and passion with others, she hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of young women and men everywhere. Maureen is a true advocate for change and a shining example of the power of education and activism.
