DEC-UCZ Firm Up Partnership

LUSAKA: 04/05/2016 – The Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) Deputy Head Counsellor- Lusaka Province Mrs Inutu Njobvu called on UCZ Synod Headquarters at Nationalist road to firm-up partnership between DEC and the United Church of Zambia (UCZ). She was welcomed by the Synod Bishop His Grace the Rev Mutale Mulumbwa at 14:30hours. In her opening remarks Mrs Njobvu explained that her visit was meant to strategise on how training, sensitisation and training of leaders (TOT) could be done in the UCZ.

In attendance were the Synod Bishop, the Communication Secretary Rev Dennis Mbita Sikazwe, and the Education Secretary Mr Keith Waddell. After discussions, the Education Secretary unveiled the list of all UCZ Schools. Targeted in these schools are school boards, P.T.A, staff and all pupils. The UCZ University is also among other target areas. It was proposed that in addition to the sensitisation, the University should also find ways of integrating a component on updated research findings on Drug abuse in its Pastoral care and Counselling module.

The DEC Deputy Head counsellor also promised to work hand – in – hand with the UCZ Community Development and Social Justice Secretary. It was suggested that in 2017, DEC programmes would also be rolled out in all the ten (10) UCZ presbyteries. Meanwhile, it was agreed to provide a slot during the 5^th -10^th June 2016 Synod Meeting, the 2016 August Youth Conference   and the Temperance Sunday to be held on 6^th September 2016.

Both parties agreed to put in place more programmes in the 2017 UCZ calendar which should include staff and congregation retreats. They further agreed to formalise their relationship by signing a memorandum of understanding.