Mar 5, 2024
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
Connect with Dr. Mike:
Website: https://www.drmikepatterson.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealdrmikepatterson/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/drmikepatterson
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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