FIRST Lady, Thandiwe Banda was yesterday appointed matron of the Girl Guides Association of Zambia (GGAZ) and pledged to promote the full development of girls to enable them become responsible citizens to contribute to national growth.

GGAZ was established in Zambia in 1924 and has since inception been working with girls and young women on programmes promoting their development and empowerment.

Speaking in Lusaka at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) during the colourful ceremony witnessed by several dignitaries, Mrs Banda said she would do her best to create an environment to improve the livelihood of girls.

She said she was pleased to be accorded the opportunity as matron and would work with GGAZ to address some of the challenges facing girls and young women in the country.

"One thing I have carried with me and treasured most is the learning of leadership skills. As patron of GGAZ, I pledge to do my best in upholding its values and principles.

"This will ensure the creation of an environment that will foster the full development of girls and young women in Zambia to enable them become responsible citizens," Mrs Banda said.

The ceremony was witnessed by Vice-President George Kunda's wife, Irene, acting Sport, Youth and Child Development Minister Ronald Mukuma and Lusaka Province Minister Charles Shawa.

Others were Sport, Youth and Child Development Deputy Minister, his Permanent Secretary Susan Sikaneta, Lusaka District Commissioner Christah Kalulu, former Health minister Nkandu Luo and freedom fighter Mama Kankasa.

GGAZ chief commissioner, Janet Sitali said her association was happy the First Lady had pledged to work with the association to improve the lives of girls and young women in Zambia.

Speaking earlier, Mr Mukuma said the Government would continue to provide technical support to all youth initiatives.

Mr Mukuma said the national policy was one of the immediate resolves to ensure that a framework was provided to enable youths become drivers of national development.

Ms Sikaneta said her ministry was happy GGAZ had become an economic empowerment in which female youths were engaged in income generating activities to reduce poverty.

And giving a vote of thanks, GGAZ ranger, Sylvia Chivunda urged the youth to develop a positive mindset and participate in various sectors of the economy if the country was to develop further.