Background
The desperate plight of children in Zambia has been of major concern to many individuals. Every day, children are exposed to a social, economic and cultural environment that is unsafe and unhealthy. Lack of adequate education and recreation facilities for children has made Zambian children vulnerable in many ways. For example, as road users, research has shown that 5 children die per day as casualties of road traffic accidents. In addition, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has negatively impacted on children as an entire generation is affected by the disease. There is little knowledge imparted on safe and healthy principles and practices for children formally or informally.

The Concept
Improving the welfare of children through education campaigns is an effective means of reducing their vulnerability. A Kids Park is a facility where education is provided to children, teachers, community leaders and other individuals involved with the welfare of children. Such a facility essentially provides training but has an important community recreational role as well. Children are often more receptive to interactive teaching methods that enable them to participate directly in learning exercises. By demonstration, interaction and reinforcement of good principles and practices, children learn how to act safely and responsibly.

The Project
The Kids Park project is targeted at 3 to 17 year olds and shall offer a child friendly environment providing specially developed education programmes. The Park will offer children a safe place of play whilst providing a means for providing them and the community in general with knowledge about; safety, HIV/AIDS(basic facts, sensitisation, reduction of stigma, child protection and prevention), health issues related to the prevention of endemic diseases, as well as, cultural practices related to health that affect the girl child. The Kids Park will serve as an important learning and resource centre for this purpose.

The Park
In conjunction with Lusaka City Council, the Kids Park project will regenerate one of the city’s recreational parks. Fulwe Crescent Play Park, located in the residential area of Rhodes Park in Lusaka has been chosen as the site for the first kids park. The location of the park site is ideal as it is situated near the city centre and close to one of Lusaka main shopping districts. It is hoped that the regeneration and operation of the park shall lead to development similar facilities throughout Zambia.

Site of Kids Park, Fulwe Crescent, Rhodes Park, Lusaka, Zambia