Parents Urged to Help Youths Tap Into Constituency Development Fund Opportunities

As Zambia continues to roll out the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) as a tool for community transformation, a passionate appeal has been made to parents across Choma to become active participants in supporting their children’s future.

During the Nitchech 2nd graduation ceremony held on Thursday afternoon, Choma Central Constituency Development Fund Committee Chairperson, Cornwell Hademu, urged parents and guardians to step up and guide their children—especially the youth—in accessing the wide range of opportunities available under the CDF program.

Hademu stressed that although the government has made financial and educational support more accessible through the CDF, many young people continue to miss out due to a lack of awareness or guidance. He emphasized that parents must not leave their children to navigate these opportunities alone.

“CDF is a powerful tool to uplift the lives of young people, but it requires family support. We are calling on parents to take a proactive role in helping their children apply for loans, grants, and bursaries. These are resources meant to transform lives, but they are only effective when accessed and used,” said Mr. Hademu.

Opportunities for Youth Empowerment

The Constituency Development Fund includes empowerment loans and grants, skills development bursaries, education support for secondary school boarding students, and funding for community-based projects. These interventions are designed to reduce youth unemployment, increase access to education, and spark entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

For example, young people can apply for start-up capital for small businesses, grants to fund vocational training, or bursaries to attend secondary school or college. The goal is to give them a strong foundation to become self-reliant and economically productive citizens.

Leaders Echo the Call for Parental Involvement

Echoing similar sentiments, Kabimba Ward Councillor Honest Muzumbwe called on parents to take full advantage of the education bursaries offered under the CDF, particularly for secondary school students.

“We know the cost of education can be overwhelming for many families. That is why the CDF has made provisions to assist with boarding school fees. Parents should not shy away from applying. The support is there, and it is meant to benefit our communities directly,” Councillor Muzumbwe emphasized.

With the 2026 CDF cycle already underway, parents and youths alike are being encouraged to act swiftly.

Application Period Now Open

Choma Municipal Council has officially opened the call for CDF applications for the 2026 cycle, with submissions accepted across several categories:

• Youth empowerment loans and grants

• Secondary school boarding bursaries

• Skills training bursaries

• Funding for community projects

The deadline for all submissions is Friday, 9th August 2025. Applicants are encouraged to visit the nearest ward development office or the Choma Municipal Council office for application forms and further guidance.

A Shared Responsibility

The success of the CDF program doesn’t lie in government efforts alone—it depends heavily on community awareness and participation. Mr. Hademu reminded the public that while the fund is available to all eligible citizens, the process of applying requires initiative and support from both youths and their families.

“Let us not allow our young people to remain idle when there are tools for empowerment right in our hands. Parents must walk this journey with them. Together, we can unlock a better future.”

As the application window draws closer to its deadline, the message is clear: the CDF is more than a government initiative—it’s a community investment. And to fully reap its benefits, parents must stand with their children as they strive toward education, economic empowerment, and lasting change.