THE lack of public parks and welfare centres is particularly detrimental to underprivileged communities, where young people are most affected by limited opportunities for recreation, social interaction and development.
As a country, we once had vibrant play parks and welfare centres in major towns that served as vital spaces for youth development and community support.
Unfortunately, many of these facilities are now run down or no longer existent.
Underprivileged communities can benefit greatly from revitalising these spaces through strategic partnerships like public-private partnerships (PPPs) and local businesses engaged in corporate social responsibility (CSR). PPPs can bring in expertise to redesign and manage youth-focused programmes, while businesses can contribute funding, materials or services through their CSR initiatives.
These collaborations can help restore community infrastructure and provide opportunities such as job training, mentorship and life skills workshops for young people.
The absence of these essential facilities not only stifles the potential of the youth, but also harms the broader community.
However, there are ways for the community to take action, work closely with constituency leadership, engage with local businesses and also ensure that public funds are channelled effectively towards building these vital spaces for young people.
Parks and welfare centres serve as safe spaces for young people to engage in physical activities, educational programmes and social interactions.
In underprivileged areas of the country, where poverty and lack of opportunities are prevalent, these spaces can help mitigate the negative impacts of social isolation, unemployment and mental health challenges.
Without access to these spaces, young people are left vulnerable to negative influences, including crime, alcohol and substance abuse, early pregnancies, betting and, now, suicides.
For those growing up in informal settlements and rural areas, the lack of safe recreational and educational spaces means limited chances to develop social skills, engage in community-building activities, or access the services that promote mental well-being.
Creating a solution to the lack of parks and welfare centres requires active participation of the community, local leaders and youths themselves.
Engaging the community in this effort is critical, as it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility over these spaces.
When the community is actively involved in the planning and maintenance of parks and welfare centres, these spaces are more likely to be used, protected and sustained.
Community meetings can be organised to raise awareness about the importance of parks and welfare centres and to gather input from residents, especially young people.
These forums can provide an opportunity for the youth to voice out their needs, and for community members to discuss the potential benefits of creating such spaces.
By involving young people in the planning process, they are more likely to take ownership and participate in activities at these centres.
Constituency leaders can work to establish youth-focused committees or task forces that will be responsible for advocating for recreational spaces.
These groups can collaborate with local government officials, NGOs and businesses to raise funds, identify suitable locations and monitor the progress of these projects.
These committees can also take on the role of maintaining the spaces once they are built, organising programmes and ensuring that the facilities meet the needs of the community.
One of the key ways to address the issue of lack of play parks and welfare centres is by ensuring that some constituency funds are allocated toward this cause.
Resources from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are meant to be used for projects that directly benefit local communities, and aligning these funds
with the needs of youth development can be a welcome development.
Constituency funds should include a specific allocation for creating and maintaining parks, sports facilities and welfare centres within communities.
Leaders can propose that a percentage of these funds be set aside each year to develop youth-friendly spaces, ensuring that there is a sustainable, long-term investment in these areas that demonstrate a clear commitment to the future of youths.
Constituency leaders can also explore partnerships with private sector companies to pool resources for construction and upkeep of public spaces.
For example, local businesses can contribute through CSR initiatives while Government provides land and technical expertise.
Constituency funds can serve to kick-start these projects while the private sector can provide ongoing maintenance and support.
In addition to building parks and welfare centres, constituency funds can be used to create job opportunities for young people in communities.
For example, funds could be used to create temporary employment opportunities for young people to help build or manage these spaces.
This not only provides youths with valuable skills but also gives them a sense of purpose and ownership over their community.
By investing in parks, sports facilities and welfare centres, underprivileged communities can enjoy a range of social and economic benefits.
These spaces provide young people with a safe environment to socialise, play and learn. Additionally, they offer a hub for youth-led programmes, education and skill-building activities. These positive spaces can help reduce crime, promote good health and encourage community unity, all of which contribute to the long-term stability and development of communities.
Moreover, these investments can enhance the community’s overall well-being, reducing the social costs associated with unemployment, mental health challenges and crime.
For young people, it provides the necessary tools to succeed and contribute positively to the economy in the future.
The absence of play parks and welfare centres in Zambia’s underprivileged communities is a significant issue that requires immediate attention.
Engaging the community, working with constituency leadership and aligning constituency funds with the cause of youth development can provide the foundation for a better future for young people in these areas.
By taking proactive steps to create safe, inclusive spaces for young people, Zambia can invest in the future of its youth and ensure the long-term prosperity of its communities.
The author is a financial management and governance expert for non-profit organisations.
