Esther Lungu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Esther Lungu
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| 6th First Lady of Zambia | |
| In role 25 January 2015 – 24 August 2021 |
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| President | Edgar Lungu |
| Preceded by | Charlotte Scott |
| Succeeded by | Mutinta Hichilema |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 June 1957 |
| Political party | Patriotic Front |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
Esther Nyawa Lungu, born on 2 June 1957, is an important Zambian leader. She served as the First Lady of Zambia from 25 January 2015 to 24 August 2021. As First Lady, she worked to help people, especially women and children. She also traveled to different countries to discuss important topics.
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Early Life and Beliefs
Esther Phiri was born on 2 June 1957. Her parents, Agnes and Island Phiri, were from Zambia's Eastern Province. She grew up in the Catholic Church. Later, she and her husband, Edgar Lungu, became Baptists. She shared that they found a common faith together.
Role as First Lady
When Edgar Lungu became the President of Zambia on 25 January 2015, Esther Lungu became the First Lady. In this role, she joined her husband on many official trips. These trips were called state visits.
International Engagements
In 2015, Esther Lungu visited the United States of America. She was invited by the George W. Bush Institute. There, she took part in a conference for first ladies. They talked about helping women, health, and technology. She also met with the health minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Princess Latifa Bint Abulazis Al Saud also invited her. They discussed ways to support women and children in Zambia.
Helping Communities
Esther Lungu started a special fund to help people in need. This fund works to improve the lives of those who are less fortunate. It focuses on helping women, mothers, children, and babies. It also works on getting clean water and good sanitation.
The Esther Lungu Foundation Trust
In December 2015, she started the Esther Lungu Foundation. She leads this foundation. Its main goal is to empower women and children in Zambia. The foundation works with other groups to make a difference.
For example, the foundation helped install water pumps in the Chongwe District. This area had a big water shortage. The foundation also helps identify families who need support. It works with schools to help children get an education.
Health and Empowerment Initiatives
Esther Lungu has spoken about how simple things, like washing hands with soap, can prevent sickness. She has also worked to improve the lives of older women in Zambia. She gave money to women's groups to help them.
In September 2017, the Special Olympics honored Esther Lungu. They named her a 50th Anniversary Ambassador for Africa. This was for her support of the Special Olympics Leadership Academy in Zambia.
