COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
The Anti-Corruption Commission under the Community Education Department is mandated to conduct various activities to sensitize members of the public on issues of corruption. Under this mandate, the Commission realizes the critical role that a well information society on issues of corruption plays in preventing the occurrences of corrupt transactions.
It is in this line that the Commission, through the Community Education Department conducts education activities that are meant to disseminate information on the dangerous effects of corrupt practices on society. This is in addition to enlisting and fostering public support in the fight against corruption.
Some of the major activities undertaken include the following:
1. Discussion fora
The Department conducts what are called ‘high profile’ and ‘community’ discussion fora that target members of the public from low and density areas respectively. The Department also facilitates the documentation and airing of all the discussion fora on the National Television (ZNBC) in order to reach out to those who may not afford to attend the discussions.
2. Public Rallies
The Department also conducts Public Rallies in peri-urban areas (compounds). These rallies are conducted with the aid of popular theatre and music groups.
3. Rural Sensitization
In order to enhance rural participation in the fight against corruption, the Department conducts rural sensitization activities. This is done with the help of chiefs, headmen and other players such as civil society organizations operating within respective communities.
4. Networking with civil society
The Commission recognizes the importance of involving civil society organizations in dissemination of information on corruption to the general public. The Community Education Department therefore partners with the civil society through various activities e.g. conducting of ‘Training of Trainers’ workshops
The Department also works with civil society organizations through the Civic Education and Corruption Prevention Fund (CECP) programme. Under this programme, Civil Society Organizations with the help of the Commission carry out sensitization programmes and researches. The activities are monitored by the Community Education Department with the help of the Corruption Prevention Department.
In addition, the Unit closely works with established civil society organizations that deal in issues of corruption and good governance e.g. Transparency International – Zambia. The Department conducts various joint community education activities like public rallies during the commemoration of the International Anti-Corruption Day which is celebrated on 9th of December annually.
5. Workshops
The Department also conducts workshops targeting various sectors i.e. public, private and civil society organizations.
6. Youth Festivals and Anti Corruption Clubs
The Commission recognizes the need for the involvement of youths in the fight against corruption. The Department therefore conducts Youth Festivals in provinces which attract different schools and colleges in the respective provinces who compete on various anti corruption activities.
The Department also works with anti-corruption school clubs by facilitating their formation.
7. Radio Programmes
The Community Education Department facilitates the airing of radio programmes on national and community radio stations aimed at discussing various topics on corruption.
8. Production of Promotional and Educational materials
The Community Education Department facilitatesthe production of promotional and educational materials meant to enhance the dissemination of information. The materials are distributed to members of the public during various events. They include among others, brochures, posters, booklets, t-shirts, pens, wall clocks, shields, rulers and calendars.
9. Participation in Agricultural and Commercial Shows
The Commission through the Department participates in the Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show and all the provincial shows countrywide. Through these events, the Commission is able to reach out to the general public from different sectors and across different age groups at minimum costs.
10. Other activities
Other activities that the Department undertakes include the conducting of lectures targeted at various institutions, advertising through different media, campaign through sports and the installation and rehabilitation of Billboards.