Government has commended the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) for transforming the lives of the people in the country. Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, says the society has positively responded to complementing government efforts in areas of humanitarian and climate…

Government has commended the Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) for transforming the lives of the people in the country.

Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, says the society has positively responded to complementing government efforts in areas of humanitarian and climate change among other needs.

Mr Kangwa said this when he opened the 7.6 million Kwacha Training Resource Centre built by the Zambia Red Cross Society.

 Mr Kangwa noted the establishment of ZRCS Training Resource Centre is in line with the aspirations of the 8th National Development Plan, whose objective is to attain socio-economic transformation for improved livelihoods.

He described the facility as a strategic investment that will contribute to the country’s development agenda.

Mr Kangwa said the Centre will strengthen Zambia’s capacity to train volunteers, emergency responders, community leaders and humanitarian actors in first aid, disaster preparedness and response, climate change adaptation and community resilience.

The Secretary to the Cabinet added that the facility will enhance the country’s preparedness to anticipate, withstand and recover from emergencies and disasters while supporting disaster risk management learning and practical skills development.

He added that the centre also supports government’s agenda of promoting skills development and creating employment opportunities through commercial activities that will contribute to institutional sustainability.

Mr Kangwa reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that complement national development efforts and promote a resilient, prosperous and inclusive Zambia.

And speaking earlier, Zambia Red Cross Society National President Martin Ng’onga described the facility as a significant milestone in the growth of the Society, saying it is a strategic investment that will strengthen the institution’s capacity and sustainability.

Mr Ng’onga said the Centre will support the Society’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening institutional capacity, improving organisational sustainability, investing in volunteers and diversifying resource mobilisation.

He added that the facility will serve as a national centre of excellence for humanitarian learning, volunteer development, disaster preparedness, leadership training and knowledge sharing, while generating sustainable income to support humanitarian operations.

Meanwhile, Netherlands Red Cross Country Representative Jolind Roberts said the training centre will improve the long-term financial sustainability of the Zambia Red Cross Society.

Ms Roberts said the investment demonstrates a commitment to strengthening local capacity and expertise and will help ensure that the Institution remains a trusted humanitarian organisation.

She noted that the Centre will contribute to the implementation of the Society’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan by enhancing institutional capacity and reducing dependence on external funding through sustainable income generation.

And Disaster Risk Management Division National Coordinator Norman Chipakupaku said the commissioning of the facility reflects the strong partnership between Government and the Zambia Red Cross Society to ensure that all its officers receive first aid training and are certified first aiders.

Mr Chipakupaku said the two institutions have continued to work together in disaster preparedness, emergency response, humanitarian relief, community resilience and capacity building.

He said the new multi-purpose resource centre will further strengthen collaboration by providing a modern facility for first aid training, disaster preparedness programmes, workshops and other capacity-building activities.

He said this will enhance the Division’s preparedness and capacity to deliver timely and effective emergency response services whenever disasters occur.