19/07/2026
'Measure Success by Lives Changed, Not Meetings Held,' New Lions Club Told
By John Chola
LUSAKA – Zambia's newest Lions club has been challenged to make its mark not through the number of meetings it convenes, but through the lives it transforms, the hope it restores and the smiles it brings to vulnerable communities.
That was the resounding message from Lions Clubs International District 413-Zambia Governor Rex Chitsulo MJF as he officially installed the leadership of the newly chartered Lions Club of Lusaka Foxdale.
He urged its 23 founding members to embrace servant leadership and become a powerful force for humanitarian service.
"The success of the Lions Club of Lusaka Foxdale will not be measured by the number of meetings it holds, but by the lives it transforms, the hope it restores, and the smiles it brings to those in need. Therefore, lead with integrity. Serve with compassion. Work together in unity to build stronger, healthier and more caring communities through impactful service," Governor Chitsulo advised during the Charter Night at Lusaka's Golden Peacock Hotel.
The Governor described the club's inauguration as more than the creation of another Lions chapter, saying it represented "a renewed commitment to serving our community, our city of Lusaka, our province, our nation, Africa and ultimately the world."
Guest of honour Angela Solochi, Patron of the People's Ladies Club of the Zambia National Service, echoed the Governor's call, describing the new all-women club as "the birth of a new force for compassion, service and hope."
She challenged the charter members to leave behind a legacy of transformed lives rather than administrative achievements.
"Build a club that will not simply be remembered for holding meetings but for changing lives. May your greatest measure of success never be the number of projects you undertake, but the number of people whose lives are improved because you chose to serve," Mrs Solochi said.
She also hailed the formation of the all-women club as proof of the power of collective female leadership.
"When women unite around a shared purpose, they become an extraordinary force for positive transformation," she said, adding that "the world will always need men and women who choose service over self-interest and compassion over comfort."
To demonstrate her commitment to the club's humanitarian mission, Mrs Solochi donated K25,000 towards its community service projects.
Accepting the responsibility of becoming the club's inaugural president, Kazau Wele pledged that the Lions Club of Lusaka Foxdale would become a hands-on organisation focused on responding to the needs of communities.
"Our vision for Foxdale is simple yet profound—to look at our community, identify where the need is greatest and roll up our sleeves to meet it," she said.
She added that the new club had a unique opportunity to define its own legacy.
"We are not just inheriting traditions; we are inventing them. Whether it is supporting our youth, caring for our elderly, protecting our environment or rallying together in times of unexpected hardship, the Lions Club of Foxdale will be there."
Calling for unity among members, Wele said, "The strength of the lion does not lie in the individual; it lies in the tribe," before committing to lead "with integrity, energy and an open mind."
Governor Chitsulo later installed the club's board and reminded its leaders that effective governance, accountability and adherence to the Lions constitution would be critical in building a vibrant, sustainable club capable of attracting new members while delivering impactful humanitarian service.
The Lions Club of Lusaka Foxdale joins the global Lions movement of more than 1.4 million members serving communities in over 200 countries and geographical areas, with a mission centred on addressing hunger, preserving sight, fighting diabetes and childhood cancer, protecting the environment, responding to disasters and supporting other humanitarian causes.
