Celebrating 10 Years of Impact: Lumuno Mweemba’s Role in Shaping the Future at Amos Youth Centre.
By Annabel Mumba
Annabel Mumba is AYC’s Donor Relations Coordinator in Zambia. She is a Scholarship Fund recipient, high school graduate and current college student, and also one of our Success Stories.
Co-written by Pamela O’Brien, African Education Program’s Development Director, who is mentoring Annabel as she pursues a journalism degree.
Lulu greets the girls and boys with a smile every day.
Ten years may sound like an eternity, yet for Lumuno Mweemba, it feels as if she embarked on her journey at the Amos Youth Centre (AYC) just yesterday. As Co-Founder of the Learning & Leadership Center Model and Director of Programs, Lumuno, or Lulu as she is affectionately called, is celebrating a significant milestone—one that reflects a decade of growth, service, and profound impact on the community she cherishes.
Humble Beginnings
In the summer of 2014, LuLu’s late father, Kennedy Mweemba, was AYC’s bank manager at the time, and subsequently a longtime supporter and advisor. African Education Program Board Member, Marie Odile-Savarit or Momma Mario as she is known in Kafue, met LuLu through Kennedy. When Momma Mario heard that she was a recent Social Work graduate, she invited her to the Learning & Leadership Center and when she got there she led her to a room full of young girls and boys to conduct a session on self esteem. She was scared, but quickly felt very comfortable in front of the children.
Eager to apply her knowledge, she also connected with Julie-Anne Savarit Consenza, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the African Education Program and AYC’s Co-Founder and Board Member, who shared her vision for a place dedicated to nurturing young leaders. “After many conversations, I knew I wanted to design programs that children and youth would not just love, but change the trajectory of their lives,” Lulu recalls.
Her inspiration stemmed from witnessing firsthand the transformative effects of AYC’s clubs and programs. The joy of seeing a child learn to read, spell, and build their self-esteem fueled her passion. “My goal was clear: to inspire, nurture, groom, and grow these youth,” she stated.
Achievements and Accomplishments
Reflecting on her decade at AYC, Lulu identifies her work with alumni as her greatest achievement. “Ten years ago, I never imagined the students I taught in the Spelling Bee or Music Club would one day be my colleagues,” she said. Today, 90% of AYC’s fifteen full-time staff are alumni who have benefited from the very programs Lulu designed.
Lulu has evolved alongside the organization, progressing from volunteer to Programs Manager, and ultimately to her current leadership role. Her exposure to various facets of AYC has been instrumental in her career growth. Notable highlights include the launch of impactful programs such as the Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Program Women’s Business Training and the Young Learners Program.
“Seeing the Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Program benefit women and their families is instrumental to our vision of providing community development initiatives to families, too,” Lulu shared. Since its inception in 2021, the Women’s Business Training has successfully trained 202 women across eight cohorts, directly impacting their households and communities.
Challenges and Success Stories
No journey is without its hurdles. Lulu faced her share of challenges, particularly in attracting children to the Centre. “It was a wall I had to tear down with a lot of strength,” she recalled. Yet, these obstacles only fueled her determination. “I promised myself that if I was going to fail, I would at least give it 110%,” she said while reflecting on her resilience.
With so many years of experience, Lulu has a treasure trove of success stories. One that stands out is Christine, an alumni and now Programs Coordinator. “Christine was my first counseling case, and watching her grow into a colleague is thrilling,” she shared.
Their mentor-mentee relationship exemplifies the cycle of support and inspiration that Lulu has fostered at AYC. Christine often recalls the encouragement Lulu provided during her struggles, a testament to the lasting impact of their bond.
AYC’s Impact and Growth
As Lumuno looks back on a decade of service, she recognizes the need for continuous evolution. AYC has adapted its mission to meet the ever-changing needs of the community, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing young leaders and creating lasting impact. The organization has embraced the understanding that true impact comes from addressing not just the needs of individual students, but the entire household, creating a ripple effect throughout the community.
“We are now taking a more holistic approach. We do not just focus on the student; we now look at the entire family.” This comprehensive perspective has allowed AYC to develop programs that empower not only children but also their families and a prime example is the Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy Program.
Several clubs at AYC have garnered significant success, not only enhancing the lives of participants, but also creating positive change in the community. Students in the Leadership Club have taken the initiative to conduct community service projects that address local needs. Regular clean-up drives, including trash collection and hospital beautification, have fostered a sense of responsibility and civic pride among the youth.
The Reproductive Health Access Initiative and Health Program has proven vital for both boys and girls at AYC, providing essential education on their changing bodies. The program has empowered young people with knowledge about reproductive health, equipping them to make informed choices. Additionally, it has addressed practical needs by distributing menstrual hygiene products such as reusable pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. By breaking down barriers to menstrual health and hygiene management, the program ensures that all students can participate fully in their education and community activities.
Personal Journey and Growth
For Lulu, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing programs come to life, blossoming from years of hard work and dedication. One such success story is the Read for Rose Special Education Program, a standout initiative of the Amos Youth Centre. This program, which now supports over 35 students with various disabilities, is a proud achievement for Lulu, especially since an AYC alumni created it and now leads it – working to transform the landscape for children and youth with special needs in Zambia. Witnessing this growth firsthand has given Lulu a deep sense of pride, as it’s a testament to the transformative power of education and community support.
Lulu draws inspiration from countless sources, often observing how children play and connect with each other to identify new ideas for impactful programs. For her, no boundary exists when it comes to creating positive change and she has a unique ability to see potential in the smallest interactions and everyday moments.
A significant part of Lulu’s drive also comes from her colleague, Julie-Anne, whose dreams and dedication have deeply influenced her approach. “Seeing how Julie-Anne and the African Education Program are working to transform communities in Zambia, and now Rwanda, has compelled me to think and do more,” Lulu explained. Julie-Anne’s passion has been a guiding force, encouraging her to innovate and push even further to impact communities in meaningful ways.
Looking to the Future
Lulu’s passion for growth is boundless, and she envisions a future filled with possibilities for herself and the Amos Youth Centre. When asked about her dreams for the next decade, she eagerly shared her vision of leading impactful programs that reach even more people. “I see me and the Learning & Leadership Center leading bigger projects that will impact more people in different parts of Zambia,” she said, her excitement clear. Her ambition extends beyond Kafue, with hopes of establishing Learning & Leadership Center hubs throughout the country, creating spaces for youth to thrive and grow.
With a firm belief in the potential of the Amos Youth Centre, Lulu explained her confidence in its role as a cradle for developing well-informed leaders. "The organization has achieved so much in the 18 years that it has existed, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead,” she added, reflecting on AYC’s legacy. For her, each milestone fuels a desire to expand the its reach and deepen its impact, opening doors for the next generation of leaders to learn, grow, and inspire change.
As Lulu celebrates this milestone, she embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and community service. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of many. Here’s to ten years of growth, countless lives transformed, and a future filled with promise.
