By TROY MUKUPA
“Indeed, the young people have the potential to elevate this nation to greater heights. I strongly believe that young people have the necessary potential, energy, knowledge, skills and ideas to contribute greatly to the economic, social and political standings of the nation. They have done it before in the past, through the liberation struggle. And I still have hope that they can still do it,” says Kaira Wongani, the founder member and Secretary General for Youth Wit Initial Network “Youth-WIN’ a movement that promotes and advocates for youth welfare.
Speaking to the Daily Nation Lifestyle, Kaira who has partnered with Millennium TV Zambia co-hosting a program called the ‘Common Room’ and on MUVI TV Zambia running another show called the ‘Youth Muvi Debate’ were they interact with youths across the country to get their views and concerns on matters of interest, said his dream was to see the young people get more united than ever, to see the young generation rising to the occasion and defend their patriotism, and identity as Zambians.
“My passion for advocacy started way back as a young boy in the dusty Mansa Town, Northern part of Zambia. I was born in a small Town called Mansa, in Luapula Province. I was raised by my mom who is a business lady and my dad who is a Teacher. I grew up in a home were we never missed news on ZNBC ‘current affairs’. Indeed quite dramatic! because dad was really interested in knowing the current happenings in the Country. So he would easily call you all in the sitting room, watch news together and asks you questions on what you got from it. This really helped me develop interest in knowing the current state of the country that’s the economical, political and social aspect. Anytime we watched News I really paid attention to all stories, in preparation for the questions to be asked by Dad. This helped me to understand most of the critical issues better as when news ended dad would literally explain about the stories in depth, to easy my understanding and broaden my knowledge.
Kaira said while in his primary and secondary school levels, poetry, debate, Jets and public speaking really added flavor and spice to his passion for advocacy. He said this really helped build his inner-passion, enthusiasm, dedication and love to advocate for young people.
“In debate, most of the issues we battled with other schools, the motions were really centered on youth welfare. Same in JETs presentations. In poetry, we raised awareness on different issues of interest among young people, such as drug and substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, youth unemployment, youth innovations, child trafficking, mindset change, climate justice and other critical issues of interest to the young generation and the nation at large. So I grew up knowing most of these common critical burning issues. Through my social interaction and exposure I personally discovered that the Young People were the most vulnerable group. This really built my inner passion, enthusiasm, dedication and love to advocate for the young people. I strongly believe the young people have the energy, the courage, the skills and potential to one day set a bar in our Nation”
Kaira who is also a fourth year student at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) said advocacy is a selfless journey that calls for passion, dedication and consistency. He said it was a journey worth admiring but with a lot of challenges along the way.
“What has really helped me grow in advocacy is the focus and vision I have for my fellow colleagues the youths. I strongly believe that young people have the necessary potential, knowledge, skills and Ideas to contribute greatly to the economic, social and political standings of the Nation. They have done it before in the past, through the liberation struggle. And I still have hope that they can still do it”
Asked what has affected most youths to abstain from participating in national issue, Kaira responded, “what has basically affected most of us young people is mindset change, which I have entirely been raising awareness about on the most two critical aspects, that’s; reasoning and decision making, which should be important keys to unlock Zambia’s potential”
“My desire for advocacy is to see a Zambia were young people fully participate in the decision making and are given numerous opportunities to demonstrate their potential. My dream is to see more young people get skilled and run industries of their own to contribute greatly to the economy of this country. And to help achieve this goal, I have joined hands with several youth organisations, whose goal is to promote the welfare of the young people. I am the Founder and President of Zambia Talent Factory, a movement were we are promoting talents and skills among young people. I am also the Founder Member and Secretary General for Youth Wit Initial Network “Youth-WIN’ a movement to that promote Youth Welfare and Advocacy. I am also using various opportunities through media houses to raise awareness through continued advocacy on several youth pertinent issues. Through these platforms, I have helped a lot of young people across the country, by connecting them through various opportunities, building their skills and talents, at times help them financially, others through advice and so many other viable available means. My Dream is to one day represent the young people in the people’s house, the National Assembly of Zambia. And I would like to urge and call upon young people to rise to the occasion and fully participate in the affairs of this Nation so as to increase youth representation,” added Kaira
