56. The Lobiko Initiative with Wilita Sanguma

Mission First People Always's podcast

Introduction

Globally, 700 million people live below the poverty line–surviving on less than $2 per day. In Africa as a whole, 4 in 10 people live in poverty and in Congo, at least 7 in 10 people live below the poverty line. So, what are we going to do about it?

In this episode, hear what one young leader and the organization he founded is doing to make a lasting difference through identifying and empowering local leaders in some of the world’s most impoverished communities. The Lobiko Initiative is an organization committed to creating a world where every child has a safe place to call home, where every family has access to quality healthcare, wherever every individual has opportunities for meaningful employment, and where every community has access to basic resources to thrive.

What You’ll Learn

Globally, 700 million people live below the poverty line–surviving on less than $2 per day. In Africa as a whole, 4 in 10 people live in poverty and in Congo, at least 7 in 10 people live below the poverty line.

The Lobiko Initiative is an organization committed to creating a world where every child has a safe place to call home, where every family has access to quality healthcare, wherever every individual has opportunities for meaningful employment, and where every community has access to basic resources to thrive.

The best way to create lasting change in communities is to equip those intimately familiar with the pressing needs to lead the way.

How local leaders can be supported and empowered to craft solutions.

Guest’s Bio

As the founder and Executive Director of the Lobiko Initiative, Wilita Sanguma's career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of people furthest from opportunity. His story began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where his childhood was overshadowed by one of the deadliest conflicts since World War II. The harrowing experience of fleeing his homeland amidst chaos and violence instilled in him a profound understanding of the complexity of injustice and the importance of peace.

This early exposure to conflict and his subsequent journey to safety laid the foundation for his later pursuits in political science at Fresno State University and a master's in International Studies at the University of San Francisco, where he specialized in peace and conflict resolution. Wilita's professional path reflects these early experiences and is marked by significant milestones.

His personal trials have deeply influenced his work, especially his commitment to marginalized communities both in the U.S. and globally. His experiences of navigating systemic injustices and overcoming obstacles have fueled his passion for holistic education and youth development, reflected in his active participation on numerous nonprofit boards.

Social Media:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lobikoinitiative

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/lobikoinitiative

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lobikoinitiative

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@LobikoInitiative

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Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Wilita Sanguma

• 00:13 Wilita's Story: From War-Torn Congo to Changing Lives

• 01:33 The Horrors of War: A Personal Account

• 02:22 Interview with Wailita: A Survivor's Tale

• 05:25 The Aftermath: Life Post-Bombing

• 06:47 Understanding the Conflict in Congo

• 08:00 Wilita's Family and Their Role in the Community

• 09:02 The Struggles of Congo: A Rich Country with Poor People

• 11:00 Wilita's Journey to Transformation

• 19:49 The Lubiko Initiative: Transforming Lives in Congo

• 19:59 The Vision for Lubiko: From Survival to Wellbeing

• 23:56 Success Stories from the Lubiko Initiative

• 29:15 The Challenges and Solutions in Funding the Initiative

• 33:29 The Power of Local Leadership in Community Transformation

• 38:17 Setting Ambitious Goals for the Future

• 39:58 Final Thoughts and Advice: The Power of Reflection

• 40:30 Closing Remarks and Reflections

• 42:12 The Power of Ordinary People

• 44:26 A Glimpse into Wailita's Past

• 45:21 The Horrors of War

• 46:43 The Escape and Journey to Safety

• 51:01 The Aftermath and New Beginnings

• 52:11 The Journey to the United States

• 52:33 Adapting to Life in the United States

• 54:56 The Decision to Stay in the U.S.

• 59:59 The Journey to Higher Education

• 01:02:42 Returning to Congo

• 01:06:03 The Birth of the Lubiko Initiative

• 01:08:17 Invitation to Join the Cause

• 01:21:12 Final Thoughts and Conclusion