Zambia YMCAs’ work started in 1958 when Zambia, together with Rhodesia and Nyasaland (Malawi) formed the Central African Federation. Local associations were established in Kitwe, Muffilira, Ndola, Lusaka and Chingola.
The Kitwe YMCA for young men and boys was extended also to other areas using schools, playing fields and other facilities. The British YMCAs have rendered assistance in terms of staff and leadership training.
Zambia YMCA today has thirteen (13) local associations scattered throughout nine provinces of Zambia.
The National Council of YMCAs was formed in 1968 and affiliated to the World Alliance in the same year. Membership today stands at 38 600 with 7 professional Secretaries and 6 Honorary Secretaries with 140 voluntary leaders (13 local associations boards with 10 board members per each local associations plus NEC Members)

Programmes to alleviate poverty and eradicate illiteracy became the primary thrust of Zambia YMCA. Education was seen as a pre-requisite to fight poverty. Most of the local associations have pre-schools and pre-school colleges.

Other programmes include, civic education, environment, sports and recreation, Christian camps, agriculture, HIV/AIDS etc.
Mission Statement

The mission statement of Zambia YMCA was formulated through a process taking into consideration the elements of the mission statements of the constituent local associations of Zambia YMCA.

‘The Young Men’s Christian Association is a membership driven organization voluntary and ecumenical movement for young people (male and female) rooted in God’s love manifested in Jesus Christ.

The Zambia YMCA shall be prophetic and active in Christian fellowship, advocacy and self-help activities in order to empower and transform communities especially the youth in open and creative ways.’
Main Programmes

YOUTH PROGRAMMES

The empowerment and autonomy of young people and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status, is highly important in itself. In addition, it is essential for the achievement of sustainable development. It is therefore envisaged that in the next years Zambia YMCA will have maximum participation process. The achievement of the goal of the youth development programme will be through a programme of activities that promotes self-reliance, reduce youth unemployment and make youth contribute towards national development.

The YMCA will expose youth to scientific and technological development so that the youth will be able to think and act systematically, rationally, objectively and constructively.

The youth skills training programme and business enterprises will primarily provide training in various skills relating to basic human needs and local resources; these will include: –

A. Basic industrial skills
B. Basic Construction skills
C. Basic agricultural skills

Finally Zambia YMCA believes that empowering the community and youth in the areas of political, economical and social will bring a positive change.
Address – National Office

National Council of YMCAs
NGS, Mutale Chanda
P O Box 37549
Lusaka 10101
Zambia

For hotel information, please contact YMCA National Offices directly.
On-line presence