Projects

Chilanga Cement Zambia@60 Tree Planting Project – Celebrating Independence, Building Sustainability, and Empowering the Future.

in CSR / Impact / Projects  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

As Zambia commemorates its 60th Independence Anniversary, Chilanga Cement, in collaboration with CSR Network Zambia, embarked on an impactful initiative to leave a lasting legacy through the Zambia@60 Tree Planting Project. This project, which saw the planting of 600 grafted fruit trees across schools in Lusaka and Ndola, goes beyond mere celebration, as it aims to promote sustainability, educate young minds and honor Zambia’s rich history.

The project saw two significant launch events – Ndola (October 11, 2024) where 300 trees were planted at five beneficiary schools—Masala Secondary School, Itawa Combined School, Ndeke Caritas, Ndeke Combined School, and Dzikomo School. These schools have committed to nurturing the orchards, with students adopting a plant and taking on direct responsibility for the trees. In Lusaka (October 17, 2024) another 300 trees were planted at Mwembeshi Secondary School, creating a similar opportunity for students to learn about environmental stewardship and sustainability through hands-on care of the orchard.

During the Ndola event, Mr. Xu Maosheng, speaking on behalf of Chilanga Cement, emphasized that the trees represent “seeds of knowledge, hope and environmental responsibility” that students will carry forward as part of their commitment to a greener future. His message resonated with the students, encouraging them to care for the trees and play an active role in building a sustainable Zambia.

In Lusaka, Mr. Chai Jianping, CEO of Chilanga Cement, reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to education and environmental stewardship, emphasizing that these trees will stand as reminders of Zambia’s 60th Independence Anniversary for years to come. He praised the partnership between CSR Network Zambia and the schools involved in this initiative, highlighting that the efforts to empower students and build sustainability are key to Zambia’s future success.

The event also had strong support from local leadership. Mr. Sipho Hlazo, the Area Member of Parliament for Chilanga, delivered remarks in Lusaka, emphasizing the critical importance of tree planting for the environment. He shared that, through his involvement, over 2000 trees have been planted at various schools and churches within the district, demonstrating his personal commitment to the cause. His involvement underlined the importance of such projects, not just for environmental sustainability, but for the future wellbeing of the community.

Ms. Chipo, the Mwembeshi Ward Councillor, was also in attendance, supporting the initiative. Her presence reinforced the significance of grassroots involvement in ensuring the success of environmental projects at the community level.

In both Ndola and Lusaka, students and teachers embraced the project with enthusiasm. At Itawa Combined School in Ndola, learners adopted individual trees to care for, while at Ndeke Caritas, an entire class committed to tending the orchard together. This learner-centric approach ensures that the next generation understands their role in environmental stewardship, creating a long-term sense of responsibility.

Lee Muzala, Executive Director of CSR Network Zambia, underscored that the Zambia@60 Tree Planting Project is about more than just planting trees—it’s about instilling hope, responsibility, and environmental awareness in learners. He highlighted the importance of engaging young people in such initiatives, as their involvement is crucial to ensuring long-term success. Muzala also issued a call to action for Zambians to make tree planting a regular practice, envisioning a future where each citizen plants at least one tree annually.

This project is not only about planting trees but also about encouraging students to think creatively about the sustainable use of resources. In Lusaka, Mr. Mateke, representing the Ministry of Education, discussed the potential for the trees to provide entrepreneurial opportunities. He proposed value-addition initiatives, such as transforming the avocados from the planted trees into products like oil and soap, offering students an exciting way to combine environmental conservation with entrepreneurial skills.

As Zambia looks toward the future, the Zambia@60 Tree Planting Project will remain a living symbol of what is possible when communities, businesses and governments come together to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable nation. The trees planted today are not only for the present but will serve future generations, reminding us all of the importance of environmental stewardship. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Zambia’s next 60 years of independence can be defined by sustainability, growth and progress.

Let this project serve as a reminder: planting a tree today means growing a legacy for tomorrow. More organizations are encouraged to step forward and contribute to a greener Zambia, ensuring a lasting impact for future generations.

Corporate Collaboration for a Greener Future – Varun Beverages Zambia Donates 250 Trees to Mabiza Resources Limited for Nansenga School Orchard Project.

in CSR / Partnerships / Projects  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

On 20th August 2024, CSR Network Zambia witnessed a remarkable act of corporate collaboration at the Mabiza Resources Limited mine site, where Varun Beverages Zambia generously donated and delivered 250 trees. This contribution forms a critical part of an ambitious project aimed at planting an orchard of fruit trees at Nansenga School in Chikankata district. This initiative marks the beginning of the 2nd edition of Mabiza Resources Limited’s Mabiza EcoFun Day, which kicks off with an eco-project within the Munali Nickel Mine catchment area and culminates in a day of celebration, fun, networking and awareness.

The Mabiza EcoFun Day, scheduled for 24th August 2024, will be graced by Hon. Rodney Sikumba, the Minister of Tourism, as the Guest of Honor. The event is set to bring together CSR Network members, interested corporates, civil society organizations, community leaders, government representatives, and local residents. It will feature a variety of ecotourism activities, exhibitions, networking opportunities, and fun games, all centered on the vital theme of environmental conservation.

Upon arrival at the mine site, the team from Varun Beverages Zambia, led by Communications and ESG Manager, Ms. Sylvia Shalimba, was accompanied by the Executive Director of CSR Network Zambia and warmly welcomed by Mabiza Resources Limited’s SHEQ and Governance Manager, Mr. Lloyd Moomba. In a gesture of gratitude, Mr. Moomba expressed his appreciation for Varun Beverages’ donation, highlighting that this partnership symbolizes the start of a significant and enduring collaboration between the two companies.

The team was then introduced to Mr. Michael Musonda, the General Manager of Mabiza Resources Limited, and Mr. Francisco Russo Bello, the CEO of Consolidated Nickel Mines (CNM), the holding company for Mabiza Resources Limited. The General Manager’s enthusiasm was evident as he shared how excited the Mabiza team is to receive a donation of trees from Varun, contributing to the tree-planting project. He further emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting sustainability and community well-being.

This tree-planting initiative is not just about growing trees—it’s about growing partnerships that promote sustainability and community development. CSR Network Zambia, as a facilitator of such collaborations, plays a crucial role in bringing together corporates to address community challenges collectively. By uniting their resources, expertise, and shared commitment to environmental stewardship, companies like Varun Beverages and Mabiza Resources Limited are making a tangible difference in the lives of the communities they operate in.

These partnerships underscore a powerful truth: when businesses join forces with a shared vision, they can drive impactful change that benefits not just the environment but also the communities that rely on it. The tree-planting project at Nansenga School is a testament to what can be achieved when companies commit to a common goal—building a sustainable future for all.

As the countdown to the Mabiza EcoFun Day continues, the collaboration between Varun Beverages, Mabiza Resources Limited, and other partners serves as an inspiring example of how corporate responsibility can lead to meaningful, lasting change. With CSR Network Zambia at the helm, these partnerships will continue to grow, addressing pressing community challenges with a unified purpose—protecting and conserving our environment for generations to come.

PRESS RELEASE: Mama Chungu Foundation Brings Clean Water to Mansa

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A new charity called Mama Chungu Foundation commenced its first borehole drilling programme in Mansa district in Luapula Province of Zambia in late November to give rural communities access to clean water. This is one of three key aims of the new community-based organisation. It also aims to open up farming to enhance food security and local income as well as provide renewable energy for food processing, education and living.

The Foundation is inspired by the life of Mama Cecilia Chungu who lived from 1924 to 2017 in Mansa. She was married to Alexander Chungu for more than 56 years and were blessed with many children and grandchildren. Mama Chungu cared deeply about her wider family’s well-being and its future. She worked very hard to educate her children, secure food and water, and a roof over their heads. She always gave a helping hand to anyone in need, welcoming all into her village and house.

Her story is what the Foundation is all about.

Clean water is life and the first objective of the Foundation
Children and women often walk long distances to draw daily water beginning before school and other household chores or farming activities.

But where do rural communities get their daily water if not from a borehole?

The answer is from dirty ponds, rivers, and shallow wells such as this one pictured below at Patel Village where a shallow well has been dug next to a slowmoving stream. These resources are also a key source of deadly cholera and dysentery.
Mansa Municipal Council has identified 148 new boreholes required in the district and 37 are unusable and in need rehabilitation. Among these are at two schools and two clinics, which are without potable water today.

In our experience, these numbers underestimate the critical need for quality water in rural areas of Mansa.
Public sector resources and equipment are insufficient to address this burning need for clean water. NGOs and charities are essential to filling this gap.

Mama Chungu Foundation was launched to assist rural communities in Mansa. It engaged STAR WATERWELL DRILLING LTD of Kitwe to drill an initial six boreholes and install community handpumps in Munchini Village, Patel Village, Kabunda Mission and Lukangaba Village in Mansa District.

These boreholes are the first of several planned by the Foundation. What has been achieved is remarkable as the rains begin in earnest.

A high-powered board steers the Foundation in the right direction.

The Foundation has established a ten-person Board with two patrons – Paramount Chief Mwata Kazembe of the Lunda people and His Excellency the former president Rupiah Banda. The other members include business people, the mayor of Mansa, a leader in Muchini village, and an Appeals Court judge.

The Foundation is registered with the Registrar of Societies of Zambia and funded as a non-profit by individual donations.

What’s next?
The rainy season 2019-20 will be spent fund raising for next year’s ambitious drilling programme that will begin in April next year. The Foundation will also lay the basis for community-based farming.

For more information contact:

David Ryder
Chairman
M: +260 965-611612

Veronica Ryder
Deputy Chair and Secretary
M: +260 969-173099

 

Impact Assessment is the CSR game-changer

in CSR / Impact / Projects  by CSRNZ Media 0 comments

Impact can be defined in different ways for every organisation’s CSR. One of the methods is by calculating return on investment wherein we measure the monetary value of benefits derived by the beneficiaries. The impact may also be based on the measurement of the outreach of a CSR project. For certain organisations, the impact can be defined as the actual change– social and environmental. An insight-driven method of evaluating social impact is mapping the behaviour change among the beneficiaries receiving the interventions. Assessments of impact differ as the organisations adopt their respective understanding of it.

Impact assessment has become a medium through which organisations can communicate to their key stakeholders—their implementation partners, shareholders, and board of directors about the effect of the initiatives shared with the beneficiaries.
For a CSR program to succeed, building commitment towards a singular and long-term vision of change from the key stakeholders like the board of directors is required. A committed board then directs the project towards producing a sustainable change in the lives of its beneficiaries. It is equally important to build trust among the beneficiaries. Accurate impact assessment can aid in building commitment from internal stakeholders and trust within the external stakeholders as it continues to identify the successes and limitations of the program.

In order to conduct an impact assessment that delivers on these key areas, investment to acquire expertise is imperative. It is also important to develop appropriate skill sets across the various partnerships for efficient and effective execution of a CSR project.

More often than not, CSR programs are evaluated on their investments and returns. There is a need for a shift in this approach and to capture the data on the lives impacted. This can be done using quantitative surveys with the beneficiaries and key stakeholders. These quantitative surveys can help identify the key changes we bring in through our programs. To complement these findings there is a need to understand the underlying reasons for change among the beneficiaries, which qualitative interviews can help address and build social impact stories.

Impact assessment helps the board direct the CSR funds towards its optimum utilization, where initiatives that have a maximum impact can be scaled up while programs leading to limited impact can be curtailed. For organisations implementing programmes in partnership with social organisations, it can be a useful exercise of capacity-building, where the two organisations can work closely towards achieving their common goals through the knowledge of outcomes shared by such assessments. The outcomes of these assessments can also be a way of communicating with the wider eco-system of beneficiaries who can learn about the impact and build their own agency towards addressing the community challenges. It becomes a proof-of-concept that organisations can use to build and scale their programs across geographies.

At WPP Foundation, we have defined its theory of change through a key process map which helps to direct our work towards achieving our vision through robust impact. The theory of change has identified over 20 interventions focussing on outcomes such as increasing retention in secondary schools, improving learning outcomes, enhancing work-readiness skills and addressing key social norms.

Through robust measurements, foundations can take quick and corrective decisions on regular intervals to ensure the rigour of their work in line with defined goals, as well as enables partners to build capacity to address gaps. This requires us to spend disproportionately. The positive encouragement towards this can be observed with government mandates now allowing more percentage funding towards Research & Development within CSR.

AUTHOR.
Rama A. Iyer, Director General WPP India CSR Foundation – December 7, 2019.

Director General at WPP India CSR Foundation. She is also a panel member to the World CSR Congress, nomination for ‘Expert Trainer in guiding CSR consultants develop strategies for Indian SMEs and exporters with a special focus on the European Market’. She has partnered with state-level Governments for evaluating, developing and advising in creating IEC material for interventions related to health, hygiene, gender, nutrition and skill development.

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