In April 2025, a powerful new chapter began for the digital rights movement in Zambia. Following meaningful conversations at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), Lizu Community Network established a strategic partnership with Digital Child Rights, a Netherlands-based organization committed to ensuring children’s and young people’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled in the digital age.
Together, we share a clear goal: to meaningfully connect and protect children and young people in Zambia’s digital world.
Why This Matters
As the internet becomes central to education, civic participation, and personal development, it also brings risks — from online exploitation and cyberbullying to misinformation and privacy violations. In Zambia, where digital access is growing but awareness of online safety remains low, the urgency to protect and empower the next generation is greater than ever.
Our partnership directly responds to this need, ensuring that more attention is paid to the digital rights of children and young people, not just as an abstract policy issue but as a practical, community-led movement.
The Digital Child Rights Network Zambia
Based on a multi-year plan, we launched the Digital Child Rights Network in collaboration with young people themselves. This network is a space where youth can learn, engage, and lead on issues of digital safety, privacy, and responsible online participation.
Our approach is simple yet transformative:
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Train children and young people on their digital rights and skills so they can navigate the online world safely and confidently through playing of cards and fun games.
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Give young people a voice in shaping how digital spaces are governed and used in their communities.
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Build sustainable local structures — in the form of Digital Child Rights Desks — across Zambia.
From Idea to Action
We are working on an evidence-based programme built on ten core themes of digital children’s rights. This ensures our activities are not only well-informed but also adaptable to the realities of different communities.
Our plan is ambitious:
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Establish a Digital Child Rights Desk in every district of Zambia — a local hub where children and young people can access information, training, and support related to online safety and digital empowerment.
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Introduce Digital Child Rights tools that increase awareness, encourage responsible use of technology, and foster a culture of digital literacy.
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Train the first generation of certified Digital Child Rights Ambassadors in Zambia, equipping them to spread awareness, advocate for safe online practices, and mentor their peers.
Looking Ahead
This partnership is more than just a project — it’s a movement. By building the Digital Child Rights Network together with Digital Child Rights from The Netherlands, we are ensuring that young people in Zambia are not left behind in the global digital transformation.
At Lizu Community Network, we believe digital innovation must serve everyone — especially children and young people whose futures are shaped by the opportunities and risks of the online world. This collaboration gives us the tools, structure, and vision to make that belief a reality.
Together, we are working toward a Zambia where every young person can be safe, informed, and empowered in the digital space — and where their voices are central to shaping that future.
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