.
YOUTH ALIVE ZAMBIA
Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ), founded in December 1996, is duly registered as a Non-
Governmental Organisation (NGO) in compliance with the Societies Act CAP 119 and CAP
288, as per the perpetual succession land laws of the Republic of Zambia.
Youth Alive Zambia is a national Christian faith-based, service-oriented organization
committed to unlocking the innate potential of children and youth from diverse
backgrounds.
YOUTH ALIVE ZAMBIA BACKGROUND
The establishment of Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ) was initiated by Zambian Catholic Sisters and
led by Sr. Lucia Wetzel, who became the first Coordinator. In August 1995, the sisters
learned about Youth Alive Uganda’s Behavior Change Programme (BCP) during a visit to
Kampala for the Sisters of Eastern Africa Study Conference, noting its success in reducing
HIV/AIDS among young people in Uganda.
In June 1996, Youth Alive Uganda trained 32 youths from diverse backgrounds in
implementing the Education for Life behavior change program. Some of these trainees,
including youths from Regiment Parish Catholic Church, continued the program in their
parish.
In December 1996, a national Education for Life conference was held, facilitated by three
Youth Alive Uganda facilitators and 24 local facilitators, with 358 representatives from
government, NGOs, Christian churches, and other faith communities. Following the
conference, on December 3, 1996, trained youth formed the Youth Alive club and registered
it as an NGO, aiming to promote positive attitudes and behaviors among young people
through behavioral change campaigns. The club held executive meetings and training
sessions at Evelyn Hone College in Lusaka.
On July 27, 1998, the organization was renamed Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ). Over time, YAZ
expanded its operations to all ten provinces of Zambia under the auspices of the Catholic
Church.
VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES
“Young people with healthy attitudes and behavior change driving sustainable development
in Zambia”
CORE VALUES
1) Youth-Driven:
We empower young people to have a voice in the development initiatives that impact their
lives. Their needs and preferences guide our organization’s policies and decision-making
processes.
2) Faith-Based:
We uphold a Christian faith rooted in cultivating a personal relationship with God and His
Son, Jesus Christ, founded on principles of hope, righteousness, love, and humility.
3) Pro-Life:
We affirm the sanctity of life and believe it must be protected at all costs.
4) Abstinence:
We advocate for the practice of self-restraint, particularly in abstaining from alcohol, drugs,
and sex.
5) Fidelity:
We advocate for honesty and enduring support or loyalty, especially towards one’s sexual
partner.
6) Responsibility:
We uphold the principle of fulfilling one’s duty or obligation, whether assigned by others or
arising from one’s promises or circumstances.
7) Accountability:
We are committed to taking responsibility for our activities, accepting our obligations, and
transparently disclosing results. We also ensure the responsible management of entrusted
funds and materials.
Youth Alive Zambia, a youth Christian – faith-based organization, anchored on pro- life,
abstinence and fidelity values, promoting youth development and empowerment in
partnership with affiliate groups and other key stakeholders through collaboration, capacity
building, research, advocacy and resource mobilization in Zambia