Habitat for Humanity Zambia, in partnership with the Zambia National Building Society, hosted a 2-day debate competition from 20th to 21st March 2025 in honor of Financial Literacy Week 2025. This event highlighted the critical role financial literacy plays in shaping individuals, communities, and the nation at large. Under this year’s theme, “Think Before You Follow, Safeguard Your Money,” the focus is on promoting informed and responsible financial decision-making in an increasingly digital world.
The competition brought together pupils from 10 secondary schools in Kabwe, offering them a platform to explore key issues related to financial literacy. By challenging conventional thinking and inspiring their peers, these young participants lead the way in fostering greater financial awareness.
During the event, the Interim National Director of Habitat for Humanity Zambia, Ms. Ruth Mitimingi-Nabutali encouraged the pupils, emphasizing that the competition was not merely an opportunity to participate but a chance to become catalysts for change. She urged them to use the platform to delve into crucial financial literacy topics, question the status quo, and inspire others.
The Zambia National Building Society’s Kabwe Branch Manager, Mr Thomas Nawa Liyungu reaffirmed the institution’s mandate of mobilizing financial resources to invest in mortgages, with the overarching goal of increasing Zambia’s housing stock.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bonface Makungu, the District Education Standards Officer who officiated the event, underscored the Ministry of Education’s commitment to promoting financial literacy. He described it as a transformative tool for fostering independence, a pathway to empowerment, and a cornerstone of both social and economic development.
The debate competition concluded with Highridge Secondary School emerging as the overall winners. Kabwe High School secured the position of first runners-up, while Mukobeko Secondary School took the second runners-up spot.
The Best Speaker awards were also presented during the event:
📍Female Best Speaker: Theresa Mfula from Caritas School
📍Male Best Speaker: Omega Mwaba from Kabwe Secondary School.
