In Zambia, youth with disabilities face heightened barriers to employment, often overlooked in broader efforts to address unemployment. Maggie Banda Kaunda, through the Ubuntu.Lab Transformative Leadership Programme, launched the Unique Abilities Initiative—a platform that seeks to recognize and support the unique gifts of differently abled youth, helping them become more employable and connected to meaningful work opportunities.
Creating a Platform for the Overlooked: Empowering Youth with Disabilities in Zambia
Maggie Banda Kaunda – Lusaka, Zambia
Maggie Banda Kaunda is the founder of the Unique Abilities Initiative, a movement grounded in the belief that everyone, regardless of ability, has something valuable to offer. Her commitment to this cause runs deep, and when the opportunity arose to contribute as a hub lead in the Ubuntu.Lab Transformative Leadership Programme, she felt compelled to give back. “I was asked to lead a hub or more and I felt that I needed to give back to Ubuntu.Lab Institute what it had invested in me over the years and I created the time to lead a hub in Lusaka.”
She approached the experience with a dual goal: “I was hoping to gain more experience in leading a cohort but also to refresh on the U-theory practices and tools to help me in my journey as founder of an initiative that has been brewing for some time now.”
One of the turning points in her journey came when “the faculty arranged for specific meetings to walk participants through prototyping—the how to and how not to’s.” These sessions gave her the clarity and courage to move forward with her idea.
Being part of the hub community affirmed her direction. “It helped me to see my idea as worth presenting for consideration as a prototype that could be supported in various aspects.” With each conversation and interaction, she found new energy for her mission. “I feel more confident and supported in my plan to implement an initiative that I am convicted will make amazing impacts at various levels.”
The roots of the Unique Abilities Initiative lie in a concern that has long weighed on her heart. “I have been bothered for a very long time, on the youth unemployment levels. Most youth are disadvantaged and unable to find work and I felt strongly that the youth living with disabilities are even worse off than the able-bodied youth.” Maggie saw a gap—and a need for a space “where such youth (differently abled) could be seen [and] supported in becoming more employable and then finding work.”
Her conviction is clear. “I am convicted and always have been that everyone has a unique ‘gift’ and given an opportunity, it will shine through. I am convinced that I can help identify such gifts and support youth that have previously been marginalised.”
So far, she has laid a strong foundation for the work ahead. “I’ve been able to review policies, [hold] meetings with various stakeholders, prepare materials as well as form a team that will help with bringing the initiative to life.” Looking forward, she’s focused on partnerships and outreach. “I plan to start connecting with institutions of employment and the institutions already working with youth so that implementation may commence.”
Her excitement is palpable. “I am excited to start implementation and to have the first placement within the next few months. The response has been overwhelming and I am certain that there will be great impact coming out of the initiative.”
Maggie Kaunda Banda
Maggie Banda Kaunda is a passionate Zambian changemaker empowering youth with disabilities through employment-focused advocacy and her Unique Abilities Initiative.