Chileshe Chanda is a former weltwärts volunteer, community builder, and youth mentor from Solwezi, Zambia. Together with another former volunteer, he is launching a project in summer 2026 that opens up new perspectives for young people in his hometown through creativity.
The Vision: Leadership Skills through Art
This year, Chileshe founded the Foto Kaha Foundation. Now he is taking the next big step: with the project “Empowering Youth through Public Speaking, Social Drama & Creative Arts,” he provides young people between the ages of 15 and 25 with the tools to develop self-confidence and leadership skills.
In Solwezi, unemployment is high and there is often a lack of spaces for personal development. In workshops on rhetoric, theater, and the creative arts, participants learn to express themselves, work in teams, and actively shape their community.
Impact Beyond the Moment
The project works on two levels:
- Personal Development: Young people gain the courage to raise their voices and take on responsibility.
- Professional Opportunities: The skills learned open doors to new sources of income—for example, through hosting events, handicrafts, or cultural performances.
Over a period of ten months, 50 young people are directly mentored. An additional 200 people from the surrounding area benefit indirectly through public exhibitions, performances, and community actions. The goal is an engaged generation of young leaders who unfold their talents and positively change their community for the long term.
A Success for the Community: The Starting Signal!
We are thrilled: the majority of the funding for this project has been secured! Thanks to intensive preparation and support from the Community Fund, we secured a donation from Nangu Thina e.V. We are raising a personal contribution of approximately 500 euros through memberships.
The project will officially launch in Solwezi in August 2026.