THE GROW CHOMA INITIATIVE
GROW CHOMA INITIATIVE 2027
A Community Development Initiative by The Forge — Choma District Chapter
Theme: Growing People. Strengthening Communities. Creating Opportunities.
Project Overview
GROW Choma Initiative 2027 is a community development initiative led by The Forge’s Choma District Chapter in Choma District, Zambia. Running from 4 January to 21 February 2027, the initiative brings together four focused campaigns and a closing seminar under one coordinated programme.
GROW stands for Growth, Resilience, Opportunity and Wellbeing. These four priorities shape the initiative’s approach to community engagement, personal development and practical action.
The initiative seeks to connect people with relevant information, practical knowledge, supportive networks and opportunities that can help them improve their circumstances and contribute to their communities.
Its central idea is that people may have the potential to make a difference but lack access to the information, relationships, resources or guidance needed to act on it. GROW Choma aims to help address this gap through focused campaigns, community participation and engagement with relevant institutions and potential partners.
Vision and Purpose
GROW Choma Initiative 2027 envisions communities in which people are better equipped to lead, pursue opportunities, support one another and take responsibility for their shared environment.
The initiative aims to:
Encourage leadership development and entrepreneurial thinking.
Promote menstrual dignity and awareness of menstrual health.
Encourage environmental responsibility and community participation.
Improve awareness of education, employment, skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Strengthen connections between community members, professionals, institutions and organisations.
Encourage practical action, collaboration and continued community engagement.
The Four Campaigns and Closing Seminar
Campaign 1: Leadership & Entrepreneurship Campaign
11–17 January 2027
This campaign focuses on developing leadership capacity, entrepreneurial thinking and practical knowledge among young people and community members.
It aims to encourage participants to recognise problems within their communities, identify possible solutions and explore how ideas can be translated into meaningful action. Proposed areas of engagement include leadership development, entrepreneurship awareness, basic financial literacy, mentorship and practical action planning.
The campaign seeks to promote initiative, responsible leadership and the understanding that entrepreneurship can be a means of creating value and responding to community needs.
Campaign 2: The Pad Campaign
18–24 January 2027
The Pad Campaign promotes menstrual dignity, awareness and access to menstrual hygiene products. It recognises that menstruation is a normal part of life and that limited access to supplies, information or support can create unnecessary difficulties for girls and women.
Proposed activities include sanitary pad donation appeals, menstrual health awareness and engagement with individuals, businesses and organisations that may be willing to contribute.
The campaign will emphasise dignity, respect, privacy and responsible handling of any donations or support provided.
Campaign 3: Community Action & Environmental Responsibility Campaign
1–7 February 2027
This campaign promotes environmental awareness and collective responsibility for the condition of shared community spaces.
Proposed activities include community cleanups, waste management awareness and engagement that encourages residents to take practical responsibility for their surroundings.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that environmental improvement is a shared responsibility and that organised local action can contribute to cleaner, healthier and more responsible communities.
Campaign 4: Opportunity & Community Connections Campaign
8–14 February 2027
This campaign focuses on the relationship between information, networks and access to opportunity. It seeks to help young people and community members identify relevant pathways and connect with institutions, professionals and organisations that may provide useful guidance or support.
Areas of engagement may include education and skills opportunities, career development, employment pathways, entrepreneurship support, mentorship and professional networks.
The campaign aims to improve awareness of available opportunities and help participants understand the steps and requirements involved in pursuing them. Information shared about external programmes and opportunities should be verified before publication.
Participation does not guarantee employment, funding, admission or placement.
GROW Choma Closing Seminar
21 February 2027
The closing seminar will conclude the initiative through reflection, discussion and consideration of future action.
It is intended to provide an opportunity to review activities undertaken, share experiences and lessons, acknowledge contributions where appropriate, and discuss how the relationships and community efforts developed through the initiative could continue beyond the programme period.
The seminar will also provide an opportunity to consider recommendations for future community engagement and the continued work of The Forge’s Choma District Chapter.
Target Participants
The initiative is designed to engage a range of community members and institutions, depending on the focus and arrangements of each activity. These may include:
Young people, students and recent graduates.
Aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging leaders.
Girls and women who may benefit from menstrual health awareness and support.
Community members and local volunteers.
Professionals, mentors and business owners.
Schools and other educational institutions.
Civil society organisations and community groups.
Businesses and institutions able to contribute expertise, information, resources or relevant opportunities.
Participation will depend on the arrangements, capacity and safeguarding requirements of individual activities.
Community and Institutional Participation
GROW Choma Initiative 2027 provides a framework for individuals and organisations to contribute to community development in practical ways.
Potential contributions include volunteering, sharing verified information, offering mentorship or technical expertise, supporting approved donation appeals, providing relevant educational resources and exploring partnerships with The Forge.
Businesses, educational institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders may be invited to consider forms of support that align with their capacity and areas of expertise. Any partnership, resource contribution or institutional commitment will be subject to confirmation.
Outreach to surrounding villages may also be considered, subject to available resources, permissions, safety and logistical arrangements.
Expected Outcomes and Evaluation
The initiative aims to encourage greater awareness, practical community participation, improved access to relevant information and stronger connections between people and potential sources of support.
Potential areas for evaluation include:
Campaign activities completed.
Participation and volunteer engagement.
Awareness activities conducted.
Donations or resources received and distributed, where applicable.
Verified opportunities and referrals shared.
Connections established with professionals or institutions.
Participant feedback and lessons learned.
Recommendations for future community initiatives.
Actual results will be documented during implementation. No numerical targets or impact claims should be presented as confirmed until they have been established and supported by records.
Implementation and Accountability
The initiative will require clear coordination, responsible resource management, accurate communication and respect for participants.
Activities involving donations, menstrual health, environmental cleanups or referrals should be organised with appropriate safeguards and practical arrangements. Participant privacy should be respected, and information about external opportunities should be verified before being shared.
The programme’s reach and results will depend on available resources, implementation capacity, permissions and confirmed support. Activities and commitments should be communicated transparently.
About The Forge
The Forge is a youth-focused organisation working to connect people with opportunity. Its areas of interest include education, entrepreneurship, skills development, mentorship, professional networks and stronger connections between young people, institutions and industry.
Through GROW Choma Initiative 2027, The Forge’s Choma District Chapter seeks to apply this broader mission through a structured community programme addressing leadership, menstrual dignity, environmental responsibility and access to opportunities.
The initiative brings these priorities together under a single framework for community engagement and practical action.
Project Details
Project: GROW Choma Initiative 2027
Implementing organisation: The Forge — Choma District Chapter
Location: Choma District, Zambia
Programme period: 4 January–21 February 2027
Programme structure: Four campaigns and one closing seminar
Theme: Growing People. Strengthening Communities. Creating Opportunities.
Contact: 0965 889 855
Email: theforgeorg.com@gmail.com
Official project page: https://theforgeorg.com/chapters/choma/grow-choma-initiative-2027
GROW Choma Initiative 2027 is built on the principle that when people gain knowledge, connections and opportunities to act, they are better positioned to contribute to their own development and the future of their communities.