‍Kabwe, Zambia — The Chandler Foundation, in collaboration with the Zambia Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has launched a major initiative to promote ethical leadership among youth through the "Character is Destiny" curriculum. Held over two days in Kabwe from August 14-15, 2025, the teacher training equips educators with the skills and materials needed to deliver values-based education to students across the country.

At the heart of the initiative is a belief long held by the Chandler Foundation: that instilling values in children is key to building ethical societies.

The Chandler Foundation and Growing Leaders (powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation) co-developed a five-module, story-based curriculum designed for students aged 11-13. It focuses on cultivating integrity, honesty, trust, honour, and servanthood through engaging lessons, peer discussions, and positive role models.

"This training marks a significant step in building cultures of integrity from the ground up," said Leslie Tsai, Director of Integrity Programs at the Chandler Foundation. "We are proud to stand alongside Zambia’s educators and institutions in nurturing young leaders who will shape a future free from corruption."

The pilot program will be rolled out in 30 schools across six provinces – Lusaka, Copperbelt, Central, Southern, Northern, and North-Western – through established Anti-Corruption Clubs. To ensure program fidelity and sustainability, 30 teachers and ACC staff participated in the inaugural training session.

"As a foundation committed to strengthening governance and ethical leadership, we believe that instilling values in children is one of the most strategic investments any nation can make. Lasting national progress starts in the classroom – by shaping the values of children while they are still young" added Rueben Lifuka, Zambia Country Director at the Chandler Foundation.

The ACC is working closely with the Ministry of Education to explore national integration of the curriculum, signalling a strong appetite for long-term, systemic reform in character education.

Speaking at the official opening of the training workshop, Anti-Corruption Commission Director General Mrs. Daphne Soko Chabu noted that the Commission recognizes the critical role educators play in shaping the moral compass of future leaders and that the long-term vision is to see the curriculum expand across all schools in Zambia.

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