11/05/2026
Check out our CEO Wongani Kaira - Youth Advocate YA’s interview with Mansa My Pride - MSA
It’s an interview worth your time.
SPOTLIGHT ON KAIRA WONGANI
By Mansa My Pride - MSA
The Visionary Youth Leader Redefining Youth Advocacy in Luapula Province
Today, Mansa My Pride Online News Network shines a spotlight on one of Luapula Province’s most vibrant, resilient, and visionary young leaders , Kaira Wongani, a seasoned youth advocate and the Founder & Executive Director of the award-winning youth-led organization, YouthConnect Mansa-Luapula Initiative Organisation.
In a province where youth development platforms have historically struggled to thrive, Kaira Wongani has emerged as a bold voice for young people, demonstrating that determination, purpose, and vision can transform even the most challenging environments into opportunities for impact.
Born and raised in Mansa, Luapula Province, Kaira’s leadership journey began during his student years, where he served diligently under the Student Representative Council (SRC) before later rising to serve within the Student Union Executive as one of the top four executive members.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Kaira believes leadership is not instant, but a gradual process built through learning, experience, discipline, and growth.
“Leadership is a gradual process that we all must learn from through every step we take in becoming better leaders,” he says.
Driven by his passion for youth empowerment and development, Kaira founded YouthConnect with a vision of creating a platform where young people could discover their potential, gain exposure, and actively participate in leadership and national development conversations.
According to him, young people possess enormous untapped potential, but often lack the necessary platforms and opportunities to unlock it.
“There is so much potential among the youth. What is needed is a platform that unlocks their hidden abilities and creates opportunities for exposure and leadership appreciation,” Kaira explains.
What began as a local youth initiative has now grown into a recognized and respected youth movement. Today, YouthConnect has established branches in selected provinces, broadening its reach and influence beyond Luapula Province.
Kaira admits the journey has not been easy.
As a purely youth-led organization, YouthConnect operates independently with young people conceptualizing, planning, and implementing projects themselves. In the early stages, very few people believed in their vision.
“Many are surprised today because very few thought we would survive the environment we started from. But God has demonstrated His power and will through us,” he says.
Despite limited resources and institutional support, YouthConnect has continued to grow into one of the most talked-about youth organizations in the province, advocating for youth welfare, leadership, innovation, and active participation in national development.
Kaira has personally represented young people at local, provincial, national, and continental platforms, proving that one’s background does not determine their future.
“Where you come from does not determine your future. It is about self-motivation, determination, resilience, focus, and understanding your purpose,” he says.
Through his work, he has consistently championed the belief that:
“Young People Are the Agents of Change.”
He often challenges fellow youths to become the change they wish to see within their communities and beyond.
Kaira also acknowledges the financial and logistical challenges YouthConnect continues to face. He reveals that much of the organization’s operations rely on grant applications, concept proposals, and contributions from members themselves.
“Resources have been one of our biggest challenges. We write concepts consistently, and while some opportunities work in our favor, others do not. But we continue moving forward with the little we contribute among ourselves,” he explains.
He further notes that despite distributing sponsorship requests and partnership proposals across the province, support from local stakeholders has remained limited.
However, through consistency, innovation, and commitment, YouthConnect has managed to collaborate with several notable organizations and institutions, achievements Kaira says have become part of the organization’s growing legacy.
Importantly, he emphasizes that YouthConnect prioritizes impact over circumstances.
“Even when resources are not available, we ensure activities happen. If we cannot host physical meetings, we conduct virtual engagements. What matters is progress and consistency,” he says.
Under Kaira’s leadership, the organization continues implementing activities aligned with its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, focusing on youth empowerment, advocacy, leadership development, education, innovation, and community engagement.
For Kaira, leadership is not about individuals occupying positions of power, it is about collective action.
“Leadership is not about me or my executive team alone. Everyone is eligible to become part of this vision as long as they are self-motivated young people. Everyone brings unique strengths to the table,” he states.
He further adds that YouthConnect’s programs are intentionally designed around the real needs and aspirations of young people.
In one of his most reflective remarks, Kaira notes that public opinion has never defined the organization’s direction.
“People had different opinions about us when we started, some fair, others unfair. But we respected all views. What we continue to do keeps shocking many because we are not built by people’s perceptions. We are built by our purpose, values, and why we exist.”
He maintains that YouthConnect is not in competition with anyone.
“We have no time for competition. Anyone who thinks they are competing with us is simply competing with themselves,” he says.
As he concludes, Kaira makes a passionate appeal to communities, policymakers, and stakeholders to genuinely support youth-led initiatives.
“We have done what we can and continue to do what we could. What is important now is genuine support for young people. We have already laid a firm foundation and created an open platform for youth, what is needed is support to strengthen and sustain the vision.”
Indeed, Kaira Wongani stands as a rare gem among today’s youth leaders, a young visionary proving that greatness can emerge from purpose, resilience, and belief in community transformation.
Through his leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, he continues to inspire a generation to believe that they too can create an empire from within themselves.
