An interview with Zambian Networks Jonas Ngulube. Ngulube is Coordinator and Spokesperson of the Zambian Network an issues and policy organisation. He tells us how young people and women are the most affected by alcohol related issues.
Mr Jonas Ngulube
What does your job entail on a daily basis?
My job involves providing Technical Advice- on national alcohol policy review, designing advocacy strategies and monitoring policy process and progress. Issue network coordination & planning- I m tasked to coordinate network activities, which include scheduling meetings, making follow ups, network management- my work comprise taking and circulating business minutes, preparing monthly and annual reports. Communication- tasks consist of maintaining internal and external contacts with network members, back donor and other stakeholders.
Other job related work involves representing the Network on various public debates, media briefs and developing press statements for publications. Advocacy- Directly, I do participate live talk shows/debates on national alcohol policy on radio, television and print media articles. The tasks are administrative in nature and they include drafting detailed budget, ensuring grant compliance, doing basic procurement and submitting requests on behalf of the network to the lead organisation. Liaison- lastly, I act as a go-between with our donor FORUT/ADD, Ministry of Health policy people, Norwegian Church Aid-Zambia through our primary contact officer and also with SAAPA secretariat. This job is voluntary.
What are your qualifications and/or your previous experience?
I have relative academic and professional credentials in the field of Developmental/Child Psychology, Association of Accounting Technician, Theology, Social Work and now pursuing Public Administration.
Years of work with different organisations among them; World Vision Zambia/American Institute for Research (AIR)- Disability Technical Advisor, Zambia YMCA-Director of Programmes, CBR Zambia & IF-HSB Child Psychologist &Mid –Level Rehab Worker, Zambezi Minerals Resources-Community Liaison Officer, has gained much hands on experience; in providing institutional and group leadership in multi-cultural settings, skills in administration and management of grants, local and international partners, intern’s placements, preparing reports for projects/programs for multiple of donor, developing organisation`s strategic plans, annual operation plans and carrying out M & E. Apart from that, is an ability to identify organisational and individual training or capacity building needs as trainer and facilitator. Other areas of knowledge are in policy formulation, advocacy and implementation, programmes/project development and supervision, networking and media relations, public speaking, promotion of youth and community programmes. My other know-how is in HIV/AIDS, disability, gender, grants management and compliance, working with youths and women and finally writing of newsletters, successful stories and designing art education.
Personally, why do you think the region needs to improve on alcohol related policy?
For several reasons; firstly we are now a global village what affects Zambia has the potential directly or indirectly affect other countries in the region and indeed the global world. Ebola is a sad example. Secondly the regions has one of high HIV/AIDS, Gender Based Violence, youthful population therefore improving alcohol related policy is a non negotiable step to achieve public health agenda. Our region alcohol consumption rating is high already. From a disability expert view but also as an advocate, such a policy has directly disability preventative power and greatly agrees with our principle prevention is cheaper! A limb lost, changes your daily life permanently!
What are the major issues caused by alcohol in your country?
Alcohol related gender based violence, deaths, environmental degradation, noise pollution, alcohol abuse by young people, young women is also an emerging trend, traffic road accidents and disturbed school learning environment as bars are open during the day and play loud music.
Which part of the population is most affected?
Young people and women
What achievements have been made so far by your organisation towards improving alcohol related policy in your country?
The major achievement though still in progress has been the formulation of a national alcohol policy document which is now in its final draft and pending government approval. Policy awareness- continued creation and rising of public education and awareness about negative impact and the need for an alcohol policy is in itself a success. Thirdly, Issue Network formation is other milestone as an organisation. Active participation in regional and international forums as presenters, participants, facilitator and learners is a massive capacity building drive and knowledge improvement successful story.
Are you winning?
Yes, it must be won! It may not be in my time but the battle must never be lost ultimately!
What support has been provided by Government and other key stakeholders?
Government has provided technical people in policy and have been driving the process although sometime it feels the commitment is not there. While other key stakeholder like FORUT have provided technical expertise advice on alcohol policy, capacity building and funding support and Norwegian Church Aid Zambia has been hosting the Network and providing logistical support. Lastly the Network itself, members have voluntarily given time and other resources to undertake advocacy activities, community works related to alcohol harm reduction.
What support would further assist you as you move forward?
The critical support needed is capacitating the network in resource mobilization and urgently increased financial support to enable us scale up advocacy and alliance building beyond our current reach.