On 9 March 2016, Luc Verbeken, CEO of ING Luxembourg, had the pleasure of presenting another cheque to UNICEF-Luxembourg, this year for €38,500.

Thanks to ING's support, UNICEF will be able to continue to help young Zambians via Power for Youth, a programme aimed at teenagers in six countries, including Zambia.

Having offered a high-quality primary education to children in Zambia in recent years, ING and UNICEF are now supporting them in the next stage of their life as they become teenagers. Together, the two partners are helping the country's young people to acquire the education and social skills required to manage everyday problems responsibly and independently, while receiving support from their parents, their community and local politicians and social services.

In real terms, the funds collected have contributed to developing the U-Report, a free SMS communications platform, allowing young Zambians to give their opinions on sensitive subjects such as AIDS prevention and to influence decisions taken by local authorities. UNICEF and its partners will continue to develop U-Report, thanks also to ING and its support for UNICEF programmes in Zambia. This tool not only strengthens the link with available health and protection services, but also encourages mutual learning and skills development.

"ING wants to continue to support children from the most underprivileged regions of the world. That is why our Visa initiative continued in 2015 and the amounts collected will be used to help Zambian teenagers build their futures. In 2016, we will continue to support teenagers and will report back on our work in early 2017," explains Luc Verbeken, Chief Executive Officer of ING Luxembourg.

"As young girls and boys grow up, the community gives them more responsibilities and they gain new experience, enabling them to become more independent. Teenage years are a time when young people shape their plans for life and develop values and skills which will have an impact on their well-being.

Experience shows that if young people are supported and encouraged by adults and if policies and services are adapted to their needs and their potential, they can break the cycle of poverty, discrimination and violence," explains Sandra Visscher, Executive Director of UNICEF-Luxembourg.