By Martha Lungu, Rotarian Malaria Partners Zambia
Martha Lungu, RMPZ plans contest with Xin Wang of ZCA
In late-September, RMPZ Executive Director, Martha Lungu met with Xin Wang, Vice President of the Zambia Chinese Association (ZCA) to explore how the two groups might collaborate on malaria elimination projects in Zambia. There are over 100 Chinese owned companies operating in the Copperbelt Province and for which Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important factor.
Ms. Lungu and Mr. Wang developed an innovative (and fun) first step to begin working together. RMPZ and ZCA are coordinating a contest for corporate employees based upon cleaning up the areas around their homes to be less hospitable for mosquito breeding. A timely competition with the rainy season about to begin.
ZCA will select 12 companies based in six Copperbelt Districts (Ndola, Luanshya, Kitwe, Kalulushi, Chingola, and Mufulira) whose employees will be encouraged to clean-up their living areas. A group of five judges – two from ZCA, two from RMPZ and one from Zambia’s Ministry of Health, will then select winners. RMPZ hopes to have four winners from each District with prizes consisting of various levels of gift certificates at local grocery stores. Prizes will be awarded on October 31st including representatives of the media and government in attendance. A great way to start building collaboration, trust and perhaps even a small measure to enhance all-too-often frayed international relations.