Melo News | Friday, March 15, 2024 | Lusaka
Today, President Hakainde Hichilema had the esteemed opportunity to speak at the Third Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, focusing on the importance of National Values and Principles as outlined in the Constitution of Zambia.
The National Values and Principles are fundamental in shaping the identity and direction of our country, providing a moral compass for our actions and guiding the development and implementation of government policies. These values, including Morality and Ethics, Patriotism and National Unity, Democracy, Constitutionalism, and Human Dignity, are crucial for the well-being of our society.
President Hichilema highlighted the pressing social challenges such as early marriages, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and gender-based violence that are prevalent in our communities. Through collaboration with religious institutions, traditional leaders, and other partners, the government has initiated extensive awareness programs to address these issues and prevent a decline in our societal values
Expressing concern over the increasing divorce rates, especially among young couples, the President called for the reinforcement of marriage counseling services by the church, traditional leaders, civil society, and community organizations. He emphasized the need for individuals to uphold the sanctity of marriage by promoting peace and harmony, stressing the significance of personal commitment in preserving our core values.
In addressing the issue of cyber-crimes, we recognize the positive impact that social media and the internet have had on our communities, but we also acknowledge the misuse of these platforms. As a result, we are reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening the enforcement of existing laws in order to protect our citizens from cyber-crimes. We are urging all users of the cyberspace to embrace our core values, which include self-respect, respect for others, and the security of our nation.
When it comes to promoting youth development, we commend the progress that has been made in the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the enhancement of youth skills and the creation of conducive learning environments. We strongly encourage the expansion of similar programs in the future, as we believe that equity, equality, and social justice are being restored. Many of our children now have the opportunity to learn in a dignified environment, and this is a significant step towards uplifting the living standards of our people.
President Hichilema emphasizes the importance of a good borrowing culture and calls upon all individuals who are benefiting from various grant-led initiatives to adopt a culture of repayment. By paying back what they have received, they ensure that others can also access these resources. This value is crucial in creating a borrowing culture that will benefit future generations. Our government remains committed to promoting these positive values, and we urge every citizen to play their part in fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.
