ZAMBIAN VOLLEYBALL OFFICIAL BARBRA MAKWAZA GRADUATES FROM MEMOS IOC-ENDORSED MASTER'S PROGRAMME

Zambia's candidate for the 25th Cohort of the MEMOS (Executive Masters in Sport Organizations Management), Barbra Christine Makwaza, has graduated. Makwaza, representing the Zambia Volleyball Association (ZAVA), was in Lausanne, Switzerland, to make a public presentation of her project titled "Factors that Contribute to Low Participation in Sports (Sitting Volleyball) by People with Disabilities in Lusaka, Zambia (1996-2023)" on 8th September 2023, as part of the requirements to complete the master's programme endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Barbra Makwaza pictured at the Olympic Museum during her presentation

Reacting to this achievement, Makwaza stated that this graduation means a lot to her, adding that she looks forward to aiding in the involvement of young people living with disabilities in major sports events and activities across the nation if we want to see growth in our country.

"I have learned that the promotion of the health benefits of sports and social skills can create independence and empowerment for our people," she said. "There are major learning points for me personally, such as the spirit of volunteerism driven by passion and commitment, and that I can't change anything unless it has been accepted by others in charge," she added.

Moving forward, Makwaza revealed her aim to champion the change for people living with disabilities.

"I would love to help improve capacity building for sitting volleyball coaches and administrators in Zambia. With the knowledge I have gained in Human Resource Management, I would like to bring about change in the organization of this discipline."

Meanwhile, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) Secretary General, Boniface Kambikambi, stated that NOCZ is pleased with Barbra for taking up the mantle with the support of her federation.

NOCZ Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi

"Our expectation from her is to put her project into practical actions because we are interested in seeing the impact of this project on her federation and the steps that will be taken for other parties to be involved," he said. He further added that NOCZ hopes that Sitting Volleyball will grow within the federation, and she should also consider schools as a developmental area for Sitting Volleyball.

In conclusion, Kambikambi said that NOCZ continues to be grateful to Olympic Solidarity for programs like this one, which NOCZ uses to achieve strategic objectives such as building capacity in National Sports Federations.

"I would also like to urge people who have participated in various capacity-building programs to continue being visible within their sport federations and associations for the benefit of sport." he said.