Zambia Red Cross Society recruits 300 members in Lusangazi District

The Zambia Red Cross Society in Lusangazi District of Eastern Province has recruited 300 members since its formation in 2020.

District Red Cross Society Branch President Friday Sikombe says of the 300 members, 204 are fully paid up members, while 96 are unpaid.

He explains that First Aid and Disaster Response are some of the services the members offer to different communities in the district.

ZANIS reports that Mr Sikombe disclosed this during the World Red Cross Day Commemorations held in the district under the theme, “keeping Humanity Alive”.

Mr Sikombe said that the society, participated in the orientation programme which took place in Chipata where some branch youth representatives were trained in first aid and also participated in youth day celebrations.

He was however quick to point out that the association is faced with some challenges such as lack of office space, transport, first aid materials and financial resources to support the smooth operations of the society in the district.

Mr Sikombe appealed to well-wishers to come to the aid of the society considering the fact that Red Cross is an important institution in the community especially in mitigating disasters.

“I wish to earnestly appeal to well-wishers to come to our aid”, he said.

He added that in terms of land acquisition for the office space and farming activities, a discussion with Chief Sandwe was underway adding that once concluded the challenge will be resolved.

Mr Sikombe further appealed to the district education office to encourage schools to form Red Cross Society clubs.

“I wish to finally appeal, through the DEBS office, to encourage schools to form the Red Cross Societies including all the civil servants, private entities and our farming communities to join Red Cross Societies” He said.

And Lusangazi District Commissioner, Mike Tembo, said he is aware of the readiness of Red Cross to respond to disasters whenever called upon in the district.

Mr Tembo noted that despite the branch being new in the district, government is grateful for its active participation in the community and other volunteer activities in the area.

“We appreciate the collaboration between the Zambia Red Cross society and the government”, he said.

Mr Tembo therefore appealed to the branch executive committee to ensure more people were trained in basic first aid for the organisation to be adequately prepared to handle disasters.