Who We Are
To promote youth development and empowerment through a Christian, faith-based approach rooted in pro-life values, abstinence, and fidelity — achieved through partnerships, capacity building, research, advocacy, and strategic resource mobilization.
Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ) is a vibrant, youth-led, and faith-based non-governmental organization established in 1996 to empower young people to lead healthy, responsible, and value-driven lives.
With over 29 years of experience, YAZ is a trusted development partner committed to transforming communities through youth-led action.
We implement and scale programs that address sexual and reproductive health (SRH), HIV prevention, gender equality, child safeguarding, youth livelihoods, and climate resilience.
Our work spans all 10 provinces of Zambia, with strong networks in schools, churches, and community hubs.
YAZ is not only a program implementer — we are also a recognized consultancy leader and Trainer in safeguarding, youth engagement, and faith-based behavior change strategies.
Our Core Values
Vision
Mission
Youth Driven
We allow young people to have a say in development initiatives affecting their lives. Their needs and preferences drive our organisation policies and decisions making.
Faith Based
We believe in Christian - Faith which is anchored on living in good personal relationship with God and his Son Jesus Christ which rests on hope, righteousness, love and humility.
Pro - life
We affirm that life is sacred and therefore it should be protected at all costs.
Abstinence
We promote the practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol, drugs or sex.
Fidelity
We promote honest or lasting support or loyalty, especially to sexual partner
Responsibility
We uphold the state or fact of having a duty or obligation to satisfactory perform (assigned by someone or created by one's promises or circumstances) that one must fulfil.
A generation of young people with healthy attitudes and behavior, driving sustainable development in Zambia.
The establishment of Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ) was initiated by the Zambian Catholic Sisters, spearheaded by Sr.Lucia Wetzel who later became the first coordinator of the Organization. The sisters had heard about youth Alive Uganda's Behaviour change programme (BCP) in August 1995 when they visited Kampala during the sisters of easter Africa study conference that BCP had contributed tremendously to the reduction of HIV/AIDS incidences among the young people in Uganda.
The Zambian sisters partnered with other NGOs working with young people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In June 1996, a national youth workshop on behaviour change and education for life process was held during which some youths were trained as BCP facilitators. Some of these facilitators formed the Youth Alive club which was holding executive meetings and conducting youth formations trainings at Everly Hone College in Lusaka. The youth club was registered with the registrar of societies on 3 December 1998 was. YAZ scaled up its formation's trainings to schools and on 27 July 1998 was registered with the registrar of societies and transitioned to Youth alive Zambia under the auspices of the catholic church.
Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ) is a youth service oriented organization working towards harnessing of inherent capacities of diverse individuals and youth groups to adopt and sustain health attitudes.
YAZ is a way of life by which youth take steps towards a positive life from a spiritual, social and physical standpoint in the transformation of their own world.
YAZ is part of the network whose origin is Uganda. In 1995 the catholic church through the Zambia Association of sisterhood (ZAS) committed themselves to adopting a similar approach.
Active presence in Lusaka, Southern, Muchinga, North-Western, and Northern Provinces
Partnerships with church networks and schools in all provinces
Focus on underserved, high-risk youth populations
Organizational Background
Where We Work
Our Team
With a background in business finance and having grown up in a developing community with limited access to basic educational supplies, David builds relationships with our key investors and partners.
Mr. George Mwila
Director of Finance and Administration:
Sr Grace Fundafunda
Executive Director
With a background in business finance and having grown up in a developing community with limited access to basic educational supplies, David builds relationships with our key investors and partners.
Mrs. Sheba Lishika Dzekedzeke
Programmes Manager
Sr. Grace Fundafunda is a member of the Daughters of the Redeemer (DOR) and serves as the Executive Director of Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ), a faith based organization dedicated to working with young people.She brings extensive experience in governance, Board engagement, strategic leadership, project management, and facilitation. Her work reflects a deep commitment to nurturing communities of faith, service, and hope.Passionate about strengthening organizations and empowering people, Sr. Grace promotes accountable and collaborative leadership rooted in the mission and charism of the Daughters of the Redeemer.
Mrs Christabel Chikonde
Programmes Manager
Gift Mwanza is a Project Manager under the AIDS Prevention Programme Among Young People. She holds a Master’s degree and is qualified in Project Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation.
With extensive experience working with young people, she leads and delivers initiatives that empower youth and strengthen communities. Her deep understanding of Youth Alive Zambia and its operations enables her to effectively contribute to the successful implementation of programmes and initiatives that create meaningful and lasting impact.
Ms. Gift Mwanza
Programmes Manager
Sheba Lishika holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and has extensive experience working in the development and nonprofit sector. She is a Project Manager at Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ), contributing to programmes focused on youth development and empowerment, and previously worked with Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF). She has also served as a part-time tutor at Lusaka Apex Medical University, supporting students in their academic development. Her professional interests include youth empowerment, community development, capacity building, and advocacy.
Ms. Mirriam Watae Muyoba
Project Accountant
Mirriam Watae Muyoba is a finance professional with an MSc in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy. She brings extensive experience in project accounting, financial management, budgeting, donor reporting, and compliance within the development sector.
Known for her integrity, attention to detail, analytical mindset, and commitment to accountability, Mirriam is passionate about strengthening financial systems and ensuring that resources are managed efficiently to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact.
Mr Mulenga Chishimba
Project Accountant
With a background in business finance and having grown up in a developing community with limited access to basic educational supplies, David builds relationships with our key investors and partners.
Mr Jonathan Jere
Adminstration Officer
With more than two decades of experience, Yona J. Jere brings a combination of institutional experience, administrative expertise, training capability and practical NGO knowledge. His professional journey reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening organisational systems, developing people and contributing to effective programme delivery and institutional growth.
Mr Choonya Chilala
Adminstration Officer
With a background and experience in Public Administration, Procurement, Graphics designing, Photography and Media Management, Choonya Chilala brings together strategic administration, creative communication and practical media skills to deliver impactful results.
Contact Us
Help Lines
GBV Hotline: 933
Police Emergency: 991
Ambulance: 992
Victim Support & Child Line: 116
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Youth Alive Zambia (YAZ)
All Rights Reserved.