DAPP’s Child Diversion and Rehabilitation Project: Giving Children a Second Chance in Zambia
Ms. Abigail Chibiya
By Abigail Chibiya
A Ministry of Community Development and Social Development (MCDSD) and UNICEF brainchild, the DAPP Child Diversion and Rehabilitation Project is making waves in Zambia by providing a supportive alternative to formal justice for children in conflict with the law.
Operating in five (5) provinces spread in eight (8) districts; Chipata and Katete (Eastern Province), Kapiri Mposhi (Central Province), Chinsali (Muchinga Province), Mongu (Western Province), Livingstone Southern Province) and Ndola, and Kitwe (Copperbelt Province), the project focuses on rehabilitation, restoration, and reintegration through community-led diversion programs.
– Works with communities, police, and social welfare offices
– Offers restorative measures like mediation and counselling
– Provides rehabilitative support for education, skills, and economic needs
– Promotes community awareness on children’s rights and diversion
The DAPP – MCDSD- UNICEF intervention is aiming to strengthen diversion systems that protect children’s rights and future opportunities.
By involving communities in the process, DAPP ensures children receive the support they need to reintegrate into society successfully.
This approach not only benefits the children but also contributes to safer, more supportive communities.

The project’s outcomes include improved rehabilitation, reduced reoffending, and increased community acceptance of diversion. With continued support, DAPP’s initiative can make a lasting impact on Zambia’s youth and communities. The work done by DAPP is crucial in giving these children a second chance at a brighter future. – Zambian Children Young People and Women in Development (ZCYPWD 2011) preaching ‘Nothing for Us, Without Us’ is a Saturday Morning one-hour phone-in-show (08:00-09:00hours) on Pan African Radio 96.1FM ‘The Voice of Africa’ facilitated by ShelEdge ‘Solutions that Work!’, Kwacha Magazine Zambia (KMZ), Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ) and Today Zambia Newspaper (TZN). To participate call and share a 45second to 1.30 minute audio video on +260773824130 and+260976394176

The Diversion Framework (2018) and the Children’s Code Act and complements the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS)–UNICEF Diversion Programme.
Community-Centered Diversion Approach in eight (8) Districts:
• Chipata • Kapiri Mposhi • Chinsali • Katete • Mongu • Livingstone • Ndola • Kitwe
ZCYPWD on Pan African Radio 96.1FM facilitated by Kwacha Magazine Zambia (KMZ), Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ) and Today Zambia Newspaper (TZN).

The Diversion Framework (2018) and the Children’s Code Act and complements the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS)–UNICEF Diversion Programme.
Community-Centered Diversion Approach in eight (8) Districts:
• Chipata • Kapiri Mposhi • Chinsali • Katete • Mongu • Livingstone • Ndola • Kitwe
ZCYPWD on Pan African Radio 96.1FM facilitated by Kwacha Magazine Zambia (KMZ), Kwilanzi Newspaper Zambia (KNZ) and Today Zambia Newspaper (TZN).
