THE FORGE at Copperbelt University
Conscious of the barriers confronting students — in education, skills development, mentorship, industry exposure, entrepreneurship and employment — the chapter exists to affirm that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but indispensable partners, innovators, founders and agents of transformative change.
THE FORGE CBU CHAPTER is the Copperbelt University arm of THE FORGE Organization, established pursuant to Chapter 10, Article 110 of THE FORGE Constitution as one of the chapters through which the Organization extends its mission, programmes, values and opportunities to students and young people.
The chapter is a permanent, independent, non-profit, non-partisan and youth-led structure governed by its own Constitution, adopted by its founding members and binding on all authority, affairs and persons of the chapter. Its headquarters is at the Copperbelt University Main Campus, off Jambo Drive, Riverside, Kitwe.
Vision & Mission
Vision
To build a generation of empowered leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators, professionals and changemakers who transform their potential into purpose and contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
Mission
To identify, nurture, equip, connect and empower students and young people through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, mentorship, networking, education, industry engagement, skills development, exposure, and transformative experiences.
What we hold to
Integrity
We act with honesty, ethical conduct and consistency in every chapter affair.
Excellence
We pursue high standards, professionalism and continuous improvement in all we do.
Accountability
We answer for our decisions, resources and commitments to members, partners and the public.
Transparency
We keep chapter governance, finances and decisions open and explainable.
Professionalism
We represent the chapter, the university and THE FORGE with competence and respect.
Innovation
We encourage creativity, invention, problem-solving and the practical application of new ideas.
Leadership
We develop ethical, visionary and transformational leaders who serve others.
Service
We exist to serve students, young people and the wider community.
Inclusivity
We welcome all bona fide students regardless of background, faculty, gender or belief.
Collaboration
We build partnerships with students, faculty, industry, government and fellow chapters.
Stewardship
We responsibly manage the resources, reputation and opportunities entrusted to us.
Sustainability
We pursue social, economic, educational, environmental and institutional development that lasts.
Courage
We take bold, principled action to address challenges and create change.
Responsibility
We own our duties to members, the university and society.
Respect for Human Dignity
We treat every person with dignity, fairness and zero tolerance for harassment or discrimination.
Constitutionalism
We govern every activity according to the Constitution and the rule of procedure it establishes.
Transformational Impact
We measure success by the lasting, positive change we create in people and communities.
What this chapter is committed to
- To identify, nurture, cultivate, develop and promote ethical, competent, visionary, innovative and transformational leadership among students and young people.
- To advance entrepreneurship as a vehicle for economic empowerment, enterprise creation, job creation, innovation, wealth generation and national development.
- To promote innovation, creativity, invention, problem-solving, technological advancement and the development of practical solutions to societal challenges.
- To empower young people with knowledge, skills, opportunities, networks, resources, mentorship and platforms necessary for success and meaningful participation in society.
- To strengthen professional competence, employability, workplace readiness, career development and lifelong learning.
- To contribute to sustainable social, economic, educational, environmental and institutional development.
- To establish leadership academies, mentorship programmes and fellowships that develop future leaders for business, government, academia, civil society and international institutions.
- To promote entrepreneurial thinking, facilitate startup formation and development, support business incubation and acceleration, and connect ventures to mentors, investors and markets.
- To establish innovation hubs, research platforms and challenge funds that advance scientific inquiry, product development, commercialisation and digital transformation.
- To complement formal education through practical skills development, career guidance, scholarship opportunities and educational partnerships.
- To connect students and young people to industry through internships, industrial attachments, apprenticeships, fellowships and professional networking opportunities.
- To establish mentorship platforms and national and international networks that connect members with experienced professionals and peers.
- To organise conferences, summits, forums, exhibitions, expos, competitions and awards that inspire, connect and recognise excellence.
- To establish partnerships with educational institutions, government, private sector, civil society, development partners, international organisations, professional bodies, investors and research institutions.
- To publish materials, acquire and manage property, establish chapters and offices, receive grants and donations, and undertake all lawful activities conducive to attaining these objectives.
The Chapter Constitution
THE FORGE CBU CHAPTER is governed by its own written Constitution, adopted and enacted by its founding members. Pursuant to Copperbelt University policy, the National Constitution and THE FORGE Organization, it is the supreme law of the chapter: any chapter rule inconsistent with it is null and void to the extent of the inconsistency, any act or omission that contravenes it is illegal, and it binds all authority, affairs and persons of the chapter.
Articles 1–3
Name, address and supremacy
- The official and constitutional name of the chapter is THE FORGE CBU CHAPTER.
- The headquarters is at Kitwe, Copperbelt University, Main Campus, off Jambo Drive, Riverside, P.O. Box 21692.
- The Constitution is the supreme law of the chapter and binds all authority, affairs and persons of the chapter.
Articles 7–8
Membership and termination
- Open to all bona fide students of the Copperbelt University, effective on payment of the annual subscription fee and completion of a membership form.
- All Executive Members must subscribe to the Motherboard.
- Membership ceases on failure to pay the subscription fee, completion of studies, expulsion or death.
Article 9
Composition of the Executive
- President; Vice President; Secretary General.
- Director of Operations and Executive Management; Director of Finance and Compliance; Director of Programs and Events.
- Director of Partnerships and External Relations; Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Director of Communication and Public Affairs.
Articles 19–21
Elections and eligibility
- Candidates must be full-time Copperbelt University students, fully paid-up members of the chapter and of good character.
- The President and Secretary General must be in second year going into third year.
- The Vice President is the President's running mate and is not separately voted for; deputies to other Executive positions are appointed through a transparent selection process.
- A person who has twice held a particular office does not qualify for re-election to that office, and any officer who becomes part-time ceases to hold office forthwith.
- General elections are held in the third term of the academic year, in the third week of July, by secret ballot under a simple majority system.
- Winning candidates are inaugurated seven days after the announcement of results.
Articles 22–25
The Electoral Commission
- Appointed in the first week of Term Three by an independent body comprising the outgoing electoral chairperson, the outgoing electoral commission secretary general, two members from the general populace and one ex officio member.
- Composed of a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary General and four Commissioners.
- Commissioners must be duly subscribed members with no disciplinary case.
- Conducts, supervises and monitors nominations and elections, compiles a report and declares the winner, ensuring a transparent, democratic, free and fair process.
Articles 26–29
Meetings
- The General Assembly is the supreme governing and policy-making authority of the Organization.
- The Executive meets at least once every month during the academic term.
- Five members of the Executive form a quorum.
Articles 30–31
Commencement and adoption
- The Constitution takes legal effect immediately upon adoption and authentication by the requisite founding members.
- Adopted, enacted and given unto THE FORGE by its founding and constituent members acting in their collective authority.
Connection to THE FORGE National
The chapter is established under Chapter 10, Article 110 of THE FORGE Constitution. Its own Constitution is supreme within the chapter, subject to Copperbelt University policy, the National Constitution and THE FORGE Organization. The President remains accountable to the mother Organization, and all executive members subscribe to the Motherboard.