By TROY MUKUPA
In many societies, religion, politics, and culture are often perceived as separate domains, yet their intersections have profound implications for humanitarian work and social change. Through an illuminating conversation with Advocate Kaira Wongani, we gained valuable insights into the intricate relationships between faith, governance, and cultural expression.
Kaira’s perspectives shed light on the importance of harnessing the potential of religious institutions, navigating complex cultural landscapes, and informing policy decisions to drive meaningful impact and foster inclusive, sustainable development.
RELIGION
1. How can religion promote humanitarian work and social change?
Firstly, I must emphasize that Religion is a powerful catalyst for humanitarian efforts, fostering compassion and community cohesion.
In our country Zambia, where faith shapes daily life, religious institutions should inspire collective action by promoting values like empathy and service, mobilizing communities inclusive of the marginalized ones to address issues like poverty, inequality, development, youth unemployment and health disparities and many other social challenges faced by the youth and our people in different communities.
2. Personal beliefs influencing humanitarian work?
Firstly, My Christian faith, rooted in service and stewardship, drives my commitment to empowering youth and fostering sustainable development in my community.
My faith has shaped my approach by emphasizing dignity and care for others, being a brother and sisters keeps as others would say, this also guides me to prioritize inclusive, impactful solutions in humanitarian initiatives.
3. Ensuring inclusivity across diverse religious backgrounds?
Inclusivity is always vital in humanitarian work.
I am privileged to lead a youth-network called YouthConnect, and I must say; as a team we ensure our programs respect diverse faiths by focusing on universal values like community welfare and collaborating with leaders from various religious backgrounds to design initiatives that resonate broadly without favoring one belief system.
4. Role of faith-based organizations in addressing social issues?
Personally I think, Faith-based organizations are trusted community pillars, uniquely positioned to bridge gaps between humanitarian goals and local needs.
Infact their established networks and moral authority can even mobilize resources and trust, amplifying efforts in areas like education which is one of our priorities, because we say education is an equalizer to development and also health equity.
5. Navigating religious conflicts in communities?
Personally I have not had an encounter but certainly where different people are gathered conflicts will definitely arise.
But potential conflicts can best be addresed by fostering dialogue and emphasizing shared goals. Of course engaging ith religious leaders and the community reps in open discussions.
As an organization we make sure we align diverse perspectives around common objectives, ensuring programs remain inclusive and focused on community well-being.
POLITICS
1. Using politics for positive change in humanitarian work?
Firstly, we must certainly understand that Politics shapes the policies that enable humanitarian impact. It’s difficult to have positive humanitarian impact without policies.
It’s only by engaging with policymakers, advocates can we secure resources and frameworks that support initiatives addressing key issues such as poverty, education, high youth unemployment, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, driving systemic change for vulnerable and marginalized populations.
2. Recent policy impacting humanitarian efforts?
In Zambia, the recent free education policy, introduced in January 2022, provides free primary and secondary education to all children in public schools, increasing enrollment and aiming to reduce poverty and inequality.
The policy has shown positive results, including the recruitment of over 30,000 teachers and increased budgetary allocation to the education sector.
3. Engaging with governments and stakeholders?
Effective advocacy involves building coalitions with governments and NGOs to amplify community voices.
This also invludes presenting evidence-based needs and fostering partnerships. Our roles as organizations is to ensure policies reflect the priorities of vulnerable populations, enhancing program impact.
4. Role of youth in shaping politics and policy?
Youth are vital in shaping inclusive policies. Youths are also the Engines of any developing Nation, therefore, it’s important that a Nation values and recognizes their presence in decision making or policy making.
Youths bring unique fresh perspectives and energy that can drive advocacy for equitable governance, climate justice, and social welfare, ensuring policies address the needs of future generations through active civic engagement.
5. Balancing advocacy and politicization risks?
Maintaining neutrality is key. I personally focus advocacy on community-driven needs rather than partisan agendas, engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure humanitarian efforts remain credible and focused on universal goals like health, education, and sustainability.
CULTURE
1. Promoting cultural sensitivity in humanitarian effort?
Cultural sensitivity enhances program relevance. Firstly we must understand that, integrating local traditions, languages, and values, humanitarian initiatives become more accessible and impactful, fostering trust and active participation within diverse communities.
This will as well make you welcome in Communities and initiatives be warmly received by the locals for considering their culture.
2. Experience where cultural nuances impacted work?
Cultural nuances often shape community engagement. These are simply subtle, often unspoken elements of a culture that shape behaviors, communication, and social interactions
An example, in my province Luapula, a cultural nuance might be the importance of greeting elders with specific honorifics or gestures, like bowing slightly or kneeling, to show respect, and definitely ignoring this could be signal of disrespect.
So it’s very important to recognize our local customs, that’s why as an organization we have adapted programs to align with traditional practices, ensuring initiatives resonate deeply and encourage active participation from diverse groups.
3. Incorporating local culture into programs?
Yes, Integrating local culture, such as traditional storytelling or community practices, makes programs relatable and effective. This approach fosters community pride and ownership, ensuring initiatives align with community identities and values for lasting impact.
4. Risk of cultural homogenization and mitigation?
Of course, Cultural homogenization risks undermining local identities.
So we can best mitigate this by tailoring programs to reflect regional diversity, using local languages and customs to ensure initiatives empower communities without imposing external frameworks.
Preserving Culture is important.
5. Fostering cultural exchange for cooperation?
Yes! Cultural exchange builds understanding and promotes collaboration. This can be best done by creating platforms for communities to share traditions and ideas, humanitarian efforts can foster mutual respect, encouraging collective action toward shared goals like sustainability and equity.
INTERSECTIONALITY
1. Intersections of religion, politics, and culture in your work?
Yes, Religion, politics, and culture converge to shape effective humanitarian strategies.
Aligning with faith-based values, engaging policy frameworks, and respecting cultural contexts ensures programs are inclusive, relevant, and sustainable, maximizing on the community impact.
It’s sad, that when people talk about Politics today all that comes into people’s minds is the opposite of leadership, but they forget that it’s the one that anchors Policies that necessitates development.
2. Project navigating these intersections?
Most of our initiatives as an organization often integrate faith-based partnerships, policy advocacy, and cultural sensitivity to achieve holistic outcomes.
This practically makes us align with community values, securing government support, and incorporating local traditions, this creates impactful, community-driven solutions.
3. Influence on humanitarian strategies?
Well! These factors demand adaptive, inclusive strategies.
Understanding religious values, navigating political landscapes, and respecting cultural nuances enable tailored programs that resonate deeply, ensuring sustainable impact and broad community support.
ON PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
1. How personal experiences and values shape your approach?
My humble Christian upbringing and leadership roles in student governance, media, and institutional leadership have instilled values of service, collaboration, and empathy.
These guide my approach, ensuring initiatives prioritize inclusivity, empowerment, and community-driven solutions. Service is my everyday key word.
2. What motivates you in the face of challenges?
The resilience and potential of the few youths challenging the status quo today in their communities without giving up inspires me. This reminds me of the potential we have to drive change provided we are focused.
Seeing communities embrace change despite challenges like resource constraints drives my commitment to create opportunities for growth, equity, and sustainable development.
And the desire to young people take up their space to lead and most importantly to make a difference.
3. How can your generation contribute to a just world?
My generation can drive equity through innovation, advocacy, and collaboration. I have always emphasized on the need for my generation to be more united than ever.
We can drive positive change through education, activism, and community engagement, this can be by challenging unjust systems and advocating for equality and human rights. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
