Livingstone, Zambia– Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family environment.
Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, reiterated this commitment when she officially opened the Southern Africa Family Placement Conference.
In a speech read on her behalf by Minister of Tourism, Mr. Rodney Sikumba, Ms. Mwamba emphasized that Zambia remains steadfast in prioritizing family based care, with institutional care reserved strictly as a measure of last resort.
She noted that this position is reflected in the country’s policy and legal frameworks, which promote alternatives such as kinship care, foster care, and adoption, while strengthening community-based support systems.
She stated that the conference comes at a critical time, as many children across Southern Africa continue to live in residential institutions due to poverty, violence, and the loss of caregivers.
Ms. Mwamba added that research consistently shows that children achieve better developmental outcomes when raised in family environments where they experience love, protection, and a sense of belonging.
She underscored the need for stronger collaboration among governments, civil society, faith based organizations, cooperating partners, and communities.
She also commended Care for Children UK, who are co-hosts of the conference, noting that through this partnership, Zambia has been designated as a regional hub for family placement and care reform in Southern Africa, positioning the country as a centre of excellence for training, knowledge sharing, and innovation.
Speaking at the same event, His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent urged Southern African leaders to prioritize family-based care over institutional care, describing the shift as a moral imperative grounded in evidence, experience, and humanity.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Nicholas Chance, CVO, Equerry to HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Royal Patron of Care for Children, the Prince expressed admiration for regional efforts to strengthen families and safeguard children.
He emphasized that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and nurturing family environment.
Prince Michael further commended the spirit of collaboration demonstrated at the conference, noting that the gathering of government officials, researchers, and advocates reflects a shared commitment to placing children at the centre of national development.
“By investing in families, you are investing in stronger, more resilient societies. By protecting children, you are shaping a future defined by stability, opportunity, and hope,” he said.
The Southern Africa Family Placement Conference, held under the theme “Empowering Governments to Reform Child Welfare,” has brought together stakeholders from across the region to advance child protection systems focused on family and community based care.
