Blog

My name is Pralin Koongo and I am a  Social Worker by profession and a Certified Chartered Procurement and Supply Officer from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply UK and currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies. I am passionate about creating awareness on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Health and Menstrual Health Management (MHM) to the general  public.

I have gained so much confidence and direction through volunteering and I am certain that the time I devoted to Copper Rose Zambia has helped me a lot in my career. I joined the volunteer’s team as an Adolescent Health Educator in 2016, I was trained in SRHR and MHM among other things. By then I was very young, slim and in high school, equally team Copper Rose Zambia was just starting with the two co-founders Dr. Natasha Kaoma and Ms. Faith Kaoma, including other team members such as Dr. Mable Kipenda and Dr. Seke Muzazu.

I am happy and proud to see how this youth led organization has grown and increased its impact and geographic coverage across the country. The mentorship and leadership I have acquired from Copper Rose Zambia has made me excel in my endeavors. Coming straight from high school I did not know my strengths, passions and capabilities. During the first few months of volunteering, I found it hard to communicate with others but I eventually gained so much confidence and direction. Indeed, Copper Rose Zambia is home to me, they saw potential and committed to groom and mentor me.

This organization has given me many opportunities to learn and grow, opportunities such as representing Copper Rose at different radio programs, leading sessions in schools, taking part in fundraising activities and now being the Kitwe District Coordinator under the USAID CHEK-UP 1 Project. I would like to encourage young people to work hard and be ambitious, they should be teachable and show interest in learning new things. I will conclude by sharing my favourite quote which is  “Acknowledge, learn and always do better,” Pralin Koongo.