The Zambia Air Force (ZAF) is expanding its mission beyond guarding the skies; it’s now focused on protecting young minds from the dangers of gambling and use of harmful habits.
Through a new campaign called “Catch Them Young,” ZAF’s Chaplaincy Department recently hosted its first 2025 children’s talk at Lusaka Air Force Base. Over 350 children and young people attended, learning how to stay safe from negative influences.
This initiative targets young people of age 6 to 21 across all Air Force formations. It’s part of a broader effort by ZAF to steer youth away from issues like gambling, drug abuse, self-harm, and violence.
During the event, Lt. Col. Judith Mutale, acting director general of chaplaincy, emphasized the campaign’s goal is to prepare children for life by educating them about potential dangers while they grow. She also noted that ZAF is collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) and the Zambia Police Gender Division to provide the best advice and support.
“It’s clear that 70 to 80 percent of the children here haven’t been fully exposed to vices, making them the ideal age group for our topics. Our aim is to inform and protect them from dangers before they encounter them,” said Lt. Col. Mutale.
She also highlighted that gender-based violence doesn’t only emerge in adulthood but often has roots in childhood. With the help of DEC and Zambia Police, the program taught children the importance of respecting one another, regardless of age or cultural differences.
Col. Joseph Phiri, the station commander at ZAF Lusaka, expressed gratitude to the Chaplaincy team for their efforts. He believes these talks will empower children to make smarter choices as they mature and also thanked parents and guardians for allowing their children to take part in the program.
The next stop for the Catch Them Young team will be ZAF Mount Eugenia, where more children will be reached with these important messages.
