RINAH KASONGO

Rinah Kasongo is a 24-year-old Zambian female with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Library and Information Science with Development Studies. Rinah is currently working as a Communications, Branding and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sotrane Publishers, a company focused on developing, producing and promoting indigenous values literature. Her passion and previous background in radio production has led her to initiate a podcast called Nkhani Zathu where she hosts storytellers holding conversations on African history, culture, arts and mindset change. Rinah is also a Change agent, an upcoming photographer, videographer and aspiring filmmaker. 

“Focus on the Positive Aspects of Others Rather Than Their Shortcomings”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I grew up in a small, semi-rural town called Samfya, located in the Northern region of Zambia. My hometown is known for its delicious Bream fish and, as a child, I often witnessed local fishermen catching and selling fish in our neighbourhood. Raised by my grandparents during my formative years, I was surrounded by numerous cousins, aunties and uncles, as well as a community that collectively took on the responsibility of babysitting me. As the saying goes, "it takes a whole village to raise a child." 

I attended a small private school where I forged strong friendships and developed my assertiveness. During my teenage years, I moved to another town to live with my mother until high school, when I attended a girls’ boarding school. A pivotal moment in my life came when I was recruited as a community radio presenter and producer at our local radio station. This experience exposed me to radio journalism and sparked my interest in societal issues, a passion that continues to drive me today. 

Since 2016, my radio experience has significantly influenced my podcasting abilities. I currently run a podcast called "Nkhani Zathu," which highlights African history, arts and culture. These early experiences, combined with the support of my extended family and close-knit community, have played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

Currently, the main challenge is climate change and its impact on local farm production, leading to a significant surge in food prices, especially for mealie meal, which is used to make our staple food, Nshima. 

Another major challenge is youth unemployment; many of my university classmates from two years ago are still unemployed, making life quite difficult for them. 

Street vending is also a pressing issue. Last year, the government issued a directive to ban street vending due to poor sanitation and other reasons. However, due to a lack of adequate infrastructure around the Central Business District, this ban has not been effective, resulting in numerous arrests and continuous conflicts between traders and law enforcement officers. 

Additionally, the overall cost of living has significantly increased, making it difficult for many households to make ends meet.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, schools closed, requiring me to take online classes. As a final-year student, my main source of income were the monthly academic allowances I received from the university, which were disrupted due to the closure. This led to insufficient funds to cover essential needs such as internet bundles and personal items. To address this challenge, I reached out to my former employers at the radio station where I had previously worked and they rehired me, significantly alleviating my financial difficulties. 

Another challenge I faced was when I was accepted to attend a youth conference in Rwanda in 2019. Despite the excitement of this opportunity, I needed to cover my own costs or secure funding. I spent several weeks writing letters to institutions and visiting them, but my efforts were unsuccessful. At the last minute, I learned that the Ministry of Youth had provisions to fund young people attending this continental conference. Unfortunately, I missed the deadline, as all logistical arrangements had already been finalised. I did not necessarily overcome this hurdle, however, this experience taught me valuable lessons about the realistic pursuit of international opportunities, the importance of thorough research and the costs involved in actualising an international trip.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

A mentor is crucial because they guide my path based on their experiences and knowledge. They hold me accountable for my actions and help me stay disciplined in achieving my goals. Mentors provide encouragement when I doubt myself and broaden my perspective when my vision is clouded by emotions. Additionally, they have helped me realise the importance of playing a supportive role in the lives of others, emphasising that I should assist others whenever the opportunity arises, just as I have been assisted.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

I used to focus on expecting people to exhibit morally upright behaviour. However, I have learned to accept people as they are without putting them in a box. This approach has helped me manage my expectations and focus on the positive aspects of others rather than their shortcomings.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

One person I can think of in terms of impacting lives is Norena Chiteba. She is doing incredible work through her organisation, Kupes Young Women’s Network. This organisation empowers young women by offering skills and learning opportunities, providing mentorship to women aged 17-35. As a beneficiary, I have experienced a mindset shift and now believe more in myself and the positive contributions I can make to society.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

 For many years, culturally defined gender roles have posed significant challenges, particularly for career women who must balance work and home responsibilities. Social media has played a crucial role in advancing gender equality, with thought leaders and citizens advocating for the preservation of cultural values without compromising physical and mental well-being. Additionally, numerous organisations are prioritising the recruitment of women, recognising that there are now as many skilled and educated women as men, which is a positive step towards achieving gender parity in the workplace.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

"The world can never not need a helping hand”.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

If I had the resources, I would create a historic Zambian film focusing on significant moments during our independence struggle. As an aspiring filmmaker, I aim to collaborate with local and international filmmakers to bring this story to life. While it may not happen immediately, it is a project I am committed to pursuing in the future.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I feel very privileged to be part of the Global Thinkers Forum mentoring programme and to have an amazing mentor like Mikias Sissay. He has been instrumental in shaping my journey and I am incredibly grateful for this platform!