Spectators watch football teams, supported by Mpundu Wild Honey, a Zambian company involved in the processing and selling of wild honey, playing games in Kabwe, central Zambia, on July 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Lillian Banda)
Access to recreation programs has long been a challenge for the majority of people in rural Zambia. Mpundu Wild Honey, in partnership with locals of Chipepo village in central Zambia, has established two football teams earlier this year. The idea is to encourage young people in Chipepo area to engage in healthy recreational activities.
LUSAKA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Access to recreation programs has long been a challenge for the majority of people in rural Zambia.
However, things are slowly changing as more and more stakeholders are investing in improving access to social amenities including recreational facilities for rural populations.
Among those that are helping to put in place recreational programs in rural Zambia is Mpundu Wild Honey, a Zambian company involved in the processing and selling of wild honey that is headquartered in Kabwe, central Zambia.
Mpundu Wild Honey has, in partnership with locals of Chipepo village in central Zambia, established two football teams earlier this year. The idea is to encourage young people in Chipepo area to engage in healthy recreational activities. It is also meant to ensure that locals are kept entertained particularly on weekends.
"Access to healthy creational programs is key to realizing individual's full potential. Recreation is as important as work because it helps to balance the mind and physical body," explained Zhang Zhanping, Mpudndu Wild Honey director.
Zhang Zhanping (C, Front), director of Mpundu Wild Honey, poses for a photo with members of football teams supported by the company in Kabwe, central Zambia, on July 22, 2021. (Xinhua/Lillian Banda)
Zhang revealed that for its part, Mpundu Wild Honey donated sets of football jerseys, including footwear and stockings and balls to two football teams that comprise youths from Chipepo area.
The company is also helping with coordinating activities as well as providing technical support to managing committee of the football teams.
"This is the first of its kind in the whole village. It will help youths stay away from undesirable behavior such as excessive alcohol consumption," said Bernard Liteta, who coordinates the activities of the football teams.
Liteta added that he hoped that other companies would be encouraged to emulate Mpundu Wild Honey and support rural communities with sporting facilities and equipment so that many more youths are prevented from engaging in illicit activities.
A local leader Mike Chikwese said the initiative would go a long way in ensuring that people in Chipepo village have a healthy space to meet and socialize.
Chikwese added that the establishment of football teams also serves as a glimmer of hope to young people, many of whom are compelled to go to urban places in search of better opportunities.