Tell us about yourself?
Cyrille Wendyanaba Korentin Zongo is an experienced Community Development specialist, specifically focusing on empowering
young people and promoting the rights of disabled people. Cyrille Wendyanaba
Korentin Zongo is an Office Volunteer at the International Service-Burkina, a Human
Right NGO running the ‘’ International Citizen Service Program’’ which focusses
on both empowering young people through volunteering and building the
capacities of local partner organizations. Cyrille Wendyanaba Korentin Zongo
holds a Master 1 Degree in Economics and Management of Companies and
Organizations from the University of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Upon which, he
went for a 5 months internship at the Public Diplomacy section of the United
States Embassy in Ouagadougou. Afterwards, he volunteered for 6 months within
the International Citizen Service program as a Leader of two successive Teams
of British and national volunteers. Throughout these six months, Cyrille and
his team conducted a Community Development project focusing on disability in
rural areas. Cyrille Wendyanaba Korentin Zongo is driven by the ambition to win
the challenges of disabled people’s social inclusion and young people’s
personal and professional Development in Burkina Faso. One day, he hope to represent
his country at the United Nation Human Rights Commission. Upon completion of
the YALI RLC West Africa program, Cyrille Wendyanaba Korentin Zongo plans to
pursue a Master’s Degree in Project Management with focus on Non Profit
projects.Where did you see yourself in the next five years ?
In the next five years I see myself as a Program manager in an International NGO.
Humility is my greatest strenght.It makes me strong and help me to cope easily with people and to be respected by them. It means respect of others and require patience and open mind.
My weakness is that I am too sensitive. Sometimes I give importance to people's problem more than I could consider them personnaly.
What is your greatest achievement?
For 6 months, I led 2 successive teams of british and national volunteers to implement a community development project in a rural area in Burkina Faso. It was a great challenge but I was able to lead these teams successfully with the support of my british counterpart.
Tell us in brief your story of impact?
At the end of these 6 months implementing this project focussing on promoting the rights of people living with disabilities, the impact on the community and on the personnal and professional growth of my team members was obvious. People in Pabre (rural area in Burkina Faso) changed their mind about dusability and my volunteered grew up as better men and wimen. I am proud of this because I contributed to make the difference in people's life.
What are your greatest challenges?
My first great challenge is myself. I believe that if I want to reach my ambitions and impact my community, I have to challenge myself. I must be bold and always determined. No rest before I hit the target. This may not be easy but I have to make it. The second great challenge is the others. On my pathway I deal with different type of people and personalities. This is a challenge because you have to work out a balance according to each individual. It is not always easy.
Who is your mentor?
I have a lot because I Identify myself too many people to be able to adapt my leadership style to each situation. However the one I am very closed to is Oumar Bila Lankoande, a Program officer at International Service-Burkina. My role models are Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. I believe in their ideologies and their methods.
What did you want people to know about you, your organization and what you are presently working on?
I want people to know me as one of the great advocate of young people and vulnarable people. I want my organisation (ICS Alumni-Burkina) to be settled properly as a strong Human Rights NGO in Africa. We develop capacity building programs for youth, especially young girls with "WOLI" (Women Leadership Initiative) and advocate for women and people living with disabilities.
What is change to you and how do you hope to effect change in your community?
For me, change is a growing process. Going from a bad situation to a positive one. I see it as an application or a software that is always updated to a better level.
I expect to bring change in my community by inspiring others, especially young people to change their mind and take actions.
How are you when you are under pressure to achieve a goal?
I actually like pressure. It free up my potential. Sometimes I could be stressed but I never show it. I immediately work to control it.
What have you done to improve your knowledge in your chosen field?
I keep learning everyday. I volunteer with 2 organizations (International Service-Burkina and Handicap Solidaire Burkina). I also read a lot documents related to development and management. I take part to training upgrading programs such as the Young African Leadership Initiative. I am looking forward to pursue a masters studies in project management but I am still applying for scholarships.
A word of encouragement for you audience?
I like this quote of Barack Obama: " Don't ask yourself what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Together, we can change the world.
Your contacts?
Name : Cyrille Wendyanaba Korentin Zongo
Email : zcyrillecorentin@gmail.com
Facebook : Cyrille Corentin Zongo
Telephone : +226 64625356.
CongratulationS
ReplyDeleteYoung leader ! We are together.