We’re L.E.G.I.T. !

THE CHILILABOMBWE PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST 2010
Date: 10/08/2010
Venue: Lubengele Community Market
Theme: Peace in a growing democracy

BACKGROUND
Chililabombwe (means croaking frog) is one of the 10 districts of the copperbelt province of Zambia sharing the common borders with the democratic republic of Congo. The community of Chililabombwe has a population of 100,000 of which the majority are the young people. However, most young people have not taken up to themselves to participate in the democratic system of the community. Politically the following are the governance structures of the area:
• Represented by a Member of Parliament in the national Assembly. The MP is elected every five years during the republican presidential and general elections. Since reverting to multi party plural politics in 1991 Zambia has held successful elections after every five years though in 2008 a bye election was held due to the death of the President.
• Local governance is through elected councilors who are elected after every five years and run the district council through the local council.
PUBLIC SPEAKING AND DEMOCRATIC EXPRESSIONS
The idea of a public speaking contest never rang our minds until our colleagues from LEGIT –USA organizing such an event in their area..We realized that despite the differences in cultural, democratic developments and economic backgrounds we have a common go of creating a better society where all the citizens of various age groups can democratically express themselves as well highlight issues that the community is facing. Immediately the YPDO and local organizing committee swung into action to organize the first ever public speaking contest for the young people ages from 10 to 17.
Though, since inception of the multi party democracy in 1991 the institutions of democracy have been growing issues of ethnicity and tribal originality have slowly been a pattern of voting style as well threatening the peace that Zambia enjoys since independence in 1964.With the 2011 elections approaching the organization of a public speaking contest in the community to highlight on the importance of peace in a growing democracy was timely a right approach so that the young people and the community realize the importance of diversity of political views as well respect the views of the opposing views.
Therefore, the first ever Public Speaking contest in the Area had attracted young people and public interest in identifying future speakers ,leaders and enhancing participation in the issues that community is facing. It was realized that we never take time to have the young people debate on issues that the community is facing and provide alternative solutions through such events.
SUMMARY
We hope to hold more contests in different parts of the community to highlight on issues that the communities are facing. We would like to salute the following partners:
• The Chililabombwe District council for the permission to have a public contest at the markets
• The YPDO team for the organisation,prizes and other logistics
• Schools both secondary and basic schools
• Social Welfare and services departments
• AWANA for the provision of the t-shirts
• LEGIT-USA for the sponsorship of the prizes
• Area councilor and local Member of parliament

Name Age Sex Grade

Fridah Musonda 16 F 11
Davies Kaumba 16 M 12
Anthony Mwila 14 M 10
Mary Mwelamusomu 11 F 7
Mwitwana Kaoma 10 F 6