By Chikanma Okoisor, Key Club International trustee and chair of the 2024-25 UNICEF Champions  

For Key Club members, “Start Strong: Zambia” Month is a four-week period in May to raise awareness of Key Club’s early-childhood education project in the southeastern African nation. From education to celebration, you can engage your community — all while having a great time!  

Each of the four weeks has a theme. Here are some ideas for your club to make the most of each one: 

Week 1: Education  

Inform and inspire people by sharing the goals and impact of Start Strong: Zambia, which include: 

  • Building innovative community centers called Insakas — with a community kitchen, a playground, water and sanitation facilities, a vegetable garden and spaces for children to learn and play. 
  • Training community-based volunteers, health care providers and teachers to help parents create nurturing and stimulating environments for young children. 
  • Encouraging development and strengthening the bonds between parents and children by providing age-appropriate toys, books and more. 

And let people know — inside and outside your club — why the project is so important. Pass along information that can help people raise awareness. For example:   

  • Through early childhood, the brain grows at an amazing rate, with 90% of its development completed by age 5. 
  • In Zambia, three out of four first-grade students aren’t ready for school because they haven’t received proper nutrition, health care and learning opportunities.   

Week 2: Action  

This is a week for engagement and fundraising. Need creative ideas? Try one of these:  

  • Read-a-thon: Participants commit to reading a certain number of pages or books throughout May, seeking pledges from friends and family based on their reading achievements.  
  • Book club: Host a book club to read your favorite book. Ask for donations from participants.  
  • Trivia contest: Select topics and create questions for each. (You could include some that provide information about Key Club.) Ask for donations from participants.   
  • Athletic competition: Organize teams for a friendly competition in a popular sport. Participants pay a playing fee, and spectators pay an entry fee.   

And don’t forget our fundraising goal for the Centennial Challenge: an increase of 10% from 2023-24.  

Week 3: Activism  

Inspire friends to get involved:   

  • Share the goals and impact of Start Strong: Zambia throughout your school and community. 
  • Share key facts about early childhood education and about the campaign itself. Use our promotional resources, including social media graphics, PowerPoint presentations and a video.   

Week 4: Celebration  

Thank the people who have donated and become engaged in the project. And celebrate your Key Club’s accomplishments:  

  • Host a celebration for your club to highlight what you’ve accomplished and reward everyone’s hard work.  
  • Organize a social media celebration showcasing fundraising and campaign highlights. 
  • Send Key Club leaders in your division and district a report detailing your club’s achievements.  

Your participation is essential for kids who are learning and growing. Join us on this journey! Learn more here

Your district’s UNICEF Champion is here to help and support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out.