By JACOB CHANDA –

THE entire membership of the Boys’ Brigade of Zambia recently convened at the Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Ndola to participate in celebrating the 50 years of existence of the Brigade in the country.
The Brigade which was founded in 1965 was celebrating its Golden Jubilee with hope that the next generation would continue with  the good work of its founding fathers
From inception, the Boys’ Brigade has scored many successes in many areas and has also recorded a rapid growth in its membership.

•Many prominent Zambians have passed through the ranks of the Boys’ Brigade.

The Boys’ Brigade is a Christian interdenominational Youth organisation which was started in Scotland (Glasgow) by Sir William Alexander Smith on October 4, 1883.
Before independence, there were three companies namely:- First Livingstone, First Lusaka and First Ndola. These companies by then were being run by whites.
According to information gathered by this author,  after independence in 1964, first Republican president Kenneth Kaunda  negotiated with Boys’ Brigade of United Kingdom for the introduction of the Brigade in Zambia. This was after he was impressed with the way he was welcomed by the Boys’ Brigade in that country.
In 1965 a Boys Brigade company was formed at Kabushi United Church of Zambia (UCZ) in Ndola. This was the  first company after independence started by indigenous Zambians.
A lot of activities have been undertaken by the organisation since then and steady progress has been recorded in as far as the running organisation is concerned.
Many of the boys and officers who have been members of this important organisation are happy with the positive change it has brought to their lives.
Under the able leadership of Christopher Hankock the first training and organising secretary appointed in 1971 was sent to Zambia to ensure that the organisation was effectively mobilised and cement the roots of the organisation in the country to help the boys and officers to remain stead fast as they execute their duties .
Realising the great works Dr Kaunda had done for the organisation the current national executive committee unanimously agreed to honour the former president by re-naming Kaniki Training Centre after him at a colourful ceremony held at St Pauls United Church of Zambia (UCZ) Kabwata-Lusaka.
The Brigade hasits headquarters in Ndola at Kenneth Kaunda Training Centre former Kaniki Training Centre on Ndola/Mufulira road on  a 10 hectare land where hostels have been built .
Ndola district patron Kephas Katongo called on the boys and officers to continue working hard and ensure that love and discipline in the organisation was maintained for many years to come.
“Tremendous improvements have been noted for the past years and we need to continue with the same spirit of working together and advance the kingdom of Christ,” Mr Katongo said.
Mr Katongo said that he would not like to associate himself with an organisation which did not respect the community it was striving to serve.
He called for diversification of the brigade’s activities to cater for a wider section of the community.
Many prominent Zambians have passed through the ranks of the Boys’ Brigade and they include the late former Republican president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, former skipper of the national football team and now Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya, George Chulumanda a former Member of Parliament and Cabinet minister and former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) chairperson and chief executive officer (CEO) Francis Kaunda, the list is endless.
In its quest to contribute to welfare of the community the Brigade has engaged in many activities that impact on people’s lives positively such as slashing grass at various institutions especially hospitals.
The Boys Brigade which is an interdenominational youth organisation operates under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child development and gets grants at an intervals  from the Government.
Working together with the Government of the day the Brigade contributes tremendously in ensuring that boys and officers throughout the country contribute positively in implementing the policies of the Government.
The Brigade also ensures that youths are brought up in a God fearing way.