OYDC Zambia Hosts Child Justice Week 2026 Handball Tournament

OYDC Zambia has joined stakeholders in promoting child protection and justice through sport during the Child Justice Week 2026 Handball Tournament, hosted by the Handball Association of Zambia at the OYDC Zambia Sports Development Centre.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the sports and child justice sectors to raise awareness of children’s rights, promote rehabilitation and highlight the role of sport in creating safe, inclusive and supportive environments for young people.

The tournament was held under the theme, “Protecting Children in Digital Spaces: Confronting Online Exploitation, Harmful Exposure and Strengthening Child Justice Responses,” which highlights the growing need to safeguard children against online exploitation, cyberbullying, abuse and harmful digital content.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Amy Masoja, emphasised the importance of giving children opportunities to learn, reform and rebuild their lives. She highlighted that child justice should not focus on punishment alone but should also provide opportunities for rehabilitation, guidance and a second chance.

She further stressed the importance of listening to children and recognising the role of parents and guardians in shaping their behaviour and values. Her remarks reinforced the need for a child-centred approach to justice that prioritises protection, development and the well-being of every child.

Hon. Masoja officially opened the Child Justice Week 2026 Handball Tournament, encouraging young people to respect the law, respect their opponents and embrace the positive values promoted through sport.

Representing OYDC Zambia, Programmes Manager Mwange Kampamba and the Technical Director Elton Zulu attended the event, with the Technical Director delivering remarks on behalf of Acting Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Tembo.

In his remarks, Mr Tembo welcomed the participants and expressed sincere appreciation to the Handball Association of Zambia and all stakeholders for bringing together sport and child justice.

He noted that Child Justice Week provides an important opportunity to reflect on the collective responsibility to protect children, uphold their rights and create environments where they can grow, learn and reach their full potential.

He also highlighted the relevance of this year’s theme, noting that while technology offers children opportunities to learn, communicate and develop their talents, it also exposes them to various online risks. He called for child protection efforts to extend beyond the sports field into homes, schools, communities and digital spaces.

Tembo emphasised that safeguarding children is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of parents, guardians, educators, sports organisations, law enforcement agencies, government and the wider community.

He reaffirmed OYDC Zambia’s belief that sport is much more than competition, describing it as a powerful platform for education, discipline, teamwork, inclusion and personal development. Through sport, children learn to respect others, work together, overcome challenges and appreciate fairness.

Meanwhile, National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) Chief Executive Officer Sombwa Musunsa expressed excitement about the tournament and the positive impact such initiatives can have on young children. He commended the organisers for using sport as a tool to support child justice and contribute to the development and well-being of young people.

Handball Association of Zambia President and National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Treasurer Victor Banda also welcomed the participants and expressed his happiness at being part of an initiative that places children and their rights at the centre of sporting activities.

Banda called for more collaborations among sports organisations and child justice stakeholders, highlighting the potential of sport to inspire positive change and contribute to the development of responsible and well-rounded young people.

The event reinforced the message that every child deserves protection, guidance and an opportunity to realise their potential. It also highlighted the importance of families and communities in helping children make positive choices, understand their responsibilities and become active members of society.

Through the Child Justice Week 2026 Handball Tournament, the Handball Association of Zambia and its partners demonstrated how sporting activities can complement efforts to promote children’s rights, rehabilitation, inclusion and safeguarding.