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New Partnership Empowers Zambian Youth Through Sport and Education

Lusaka, Zambia — A transformative partnership between Sport in Action, the Wallace Group, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia (DofE Zambia) was officially launched last night at a reception hosted by the British High Commission. This initiative aims to expand opportunities for young people across Zambia by harnessing the power of sport, education, and community engagement.

United for Youth Development

The collaboration leverages Zambia’s growing network of community sport hub sites to deliver the globally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Through this initiative, young Zambians are gaining the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to become #WorldReady.

Rooted in shared values, the partnership promotes education beyond the classroom, active lifestyles, volunteerism, and personal growth. Sport in Action’s mission to mobilize youth into education aligns seamlessly with DofE Zambia’s commitment to holistic youth development.

Pilot Programme Success

In 2023, the partnership launched a pilot programme introducing 45 young participants to the DofE Bronze Award. Led by DofE Zambia National Director Twaambo Chikoye and Sport In Action and Wallace Group International Sport Development Manager Jack Preston, the initiative was funded by Sport in Action Ambassador and British Swimming Centre National Lead Coach Mel Marshall MBE, with matched support from DofE Zambia.

Key outcomes included:

  • A 93% completion rate, surpassing global averages
  • Strong family and community involvement
  • Enhanced delivery through experienced Award Leaders and community hub sites

This milestone marked the first time Sport in Action offered an internationally recognised education award, while DofE Zambia expanded its reach with a sustainable sports component.

Expanding Reach and Impact

Now in its second year, the programme has grown to over 130 participants across three provinces and seven community hub sites. Plans for 2025 include expansion into a fourth province and the launch of two new sites in Ndola, Copperbelt.

Celebrating Achievement and Looking Ahead

The success of the programme and the official launch of the partnership were celebrated at a special event hosted by the British High Commission as part of the Sport In Action and Wallace Group Twentieth Anniversary Gala.

Notable attendees included:

  • Jason Tran, Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission
  • Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
  • Twaambo Chikoye, National Director, Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia
  • Joan Smit, Africa Regional Director, World Netball
  • Directors of Sport from the Wallace Group universities

During the event, the second cohort of Bronze Award participants and the first cohort of Silver Award participants were honoured, receiving their certificates from the distinguished guests alongside the dedicated Award Leaders who supported them.

Acting High Commissioner to Zambia Jason Tran, said “The Wallace Group’s work in Zambia is a great example of how sport and education can transform lives. This partnership reflects the very best of UK-Zambia collaboration—empowering young people to thrive, lead, and inspire. I’m excited to see many more young Zambians achieve this globally recognised award.”

Twaambo Chikoye, National Director the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, said: “Through our transformative partnership with Sport in Action, strengthened by the support of the Wallace Group. Together, we are not only nurturing future athletes but equipping young people with core life skills that will empower them far beyond the playing field. Whether through improved mental health, physical wellbeing, volunteering, or employability, the Award is delivering measurable, transformational outcomes. This partnership shows what’s possible when we believe in the potential of Zambia’s greatest resource and invest in it, its youth!”

Jack Preston, International Sports Development Officer, Wallace Group / Sport in Action, added: This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when sport and education come together with a shared purpose. By embedding the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award into our community sport hubs, we’re not just developing athletes—we’re nurturing confident, capable young leaders who are ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Ben O’Connell, Director of Sport Cardiff Metropolitan University andChair of the Wallace Group Board of Directors, said:This collaboration represents the very essence of our mission—to use sport as a catalyst for positive change. By working alongside Sport in Action and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia, we’re helping young people unlock their potential, build resilience, and become active contributors to their communities. It’s inspiring to see the impact already taking shape across Zambia.”

With continued collaboration and community support, the partnership between DofE Zambia, Sport in Action, and the Wallace Group is poised to reach even more young people—helping them unlock their potential and shape a brighter future.

Wallace Group