Hi John, 

My name is Matthews Naveen Simwinga, and I’m a tobacco control advocate from Zambia. I’m passionate about using media advocacy and community engagement to build support for strong policies to reduce tobacco use.

This summer, I had the privilege of attending the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ inaugural Africa Young Ambassadors Summit in Cape Town, South Africa. I was there with 24 of my peers from across the continent, along with the African Tobacco Control Alliance.

That's me in the plaid jacket – very excited to be at the Africa Young Ambassadors Summit, as you can see!

This training helped sharpen my advocacy skills and increase my confidence that young people like me can make a difference. I also had the chance to learn firsthand how my brothers and sisters from other countries are advocating for meaningful policy change.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids supports efforts to foster a new generation of leaders fighting for change in countries and communities all over the world. Your support is an investment in advocates like Naveen.

After the training in Cape Town, I started putting the skills I gained to use, advocating for the Government of Zambia to adopt the Tobacco Control Bill that has been pending with the Ministry of Health. I created videos of myself and my fellow advocates speaking to policymakers in support of the policy. The Zambian Minister of Justice even reacted to my campaign video! I also organized a demonstration outside Parliament, submitted formal letters to the Minister of Justice and Minister of Health, and conducted a press briefing that brought together parents from different communities.

It has been an honor to work with Tobacco-Free Kids, and I am so grateful to know that they support me in my advocacy journey. Together, we can make a real difference in protecting the youth of Zambia and creating a healthier world for all.

Thank you for being part of the movement and for supporting the work of advocates like me. 

–Naveen

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