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DECEMBER 2, 2021
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES INSPIRES CHANGE AMONGST YOUTH
Chibolya Media Farm graduates encouraged as mentorship programme draws to a close.
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA –Building a better world through empowering the communities, in which they operate in, forms the foundation of Zambian Breweries Better World strategy.
In its bid to be a responsible brewer, Zambian Breweries remains committed to bringing an end to alcohol abuse and underage drinking amongst the youth. To this end, the company launched its Smart Drinking Programme with the aim of engaging consumers of alcohol products by building awareness around the dangers of alcohol abuse.
One of the greatest challenges facing communities, particularly those in Lusaka, is underage drinking. According to a 2019 World Health Organisation report, up to 43% of youth in Zambia consume alcohol.
To curb this worrying trend, Zambian Breweries teamed up with Every Moment Connections Limited (EMC) to establish the Chibolya Media Farm (CMF); an initiative that seeks to empower youth with media, entrepreneurship and mentorship skills to enable them to be more productive members of society.
Speaking during a recent visit to Chibolya Media Farm film making workshop, Zambian Breweries Country Director, Michelle Kilpin, commended the initiative for enabling the youth to live out their full potential and helping them gain valuable skills.
“I’m very inspired by what I have heard today, you are living proof that anyone under the right circumstances can live out their potential. Those of you on this programme have an even bigger responsibility to become mentors to others who have no access to such opportunities and make sure no one is left behind.” Ms Kilpin said.
Every Moment’s Chief Executive Officer, Nasho Mapulanga, explained that the workshop was part of Chibolya Media Farms Programme film making curriculum where students were required to produce a short film in readiness for their graduation, which was slated for the 17th of December 2021.
Speaking during the visit, Zambian Breweries Better World Manager, Elaine Kafwimbi, explained that the project’s main objective was to have an impact in the lives of young people in disadvantaged communities. “
“The programme outcomes have been very inspiring. We have noted a mind-set change and a real hunger from the youth to want to do more and be better for themselves. It would be wonderful to see this initiative grow into an accredited and recognized international institution capable of taking on more youth who would benefit from it”
Zambian Breweries’ Corporate Affairs Director, Ezekiel Sekele, added that the programme was built on the understanding that the two organisations (ZB & EMC) would work together to bring about more awareness of alcohol and drug abuse to the vulnerable youth of Chibolya and Kanyama communities in Lusaka and beyond. It is believed that Kanyama, and in particular Chibolya, are among the communities in Zambia with the highest numbers of youth abusing alcohol and drugs in the country. He emphasised that the dream of the brewery was to see more young men and women attain their dreams and be responsible members of society.
“We want the youth to be role models and to speak to their fellow youth about being focused, regardless of their backgrounds. We want to ensure that they get the best available training in media. We know that we cannot achieve this alone and we hope that more partners can come on board to give opportunities to graduates from the programme so that they can tell their stories on various platforms and encourage other youth.”
He added that the Brewery was pleased to see the eagerness of the youth to learn and wished the trainees the best as they completed the programme.
This year’s edition of the Chibolya Media Farm has a total 0f 20 youth enrolled in the programme who are expected to graduate this month after the completion of their short film projects.
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About AB InBev in Zambia
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 500 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Lager, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser.
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