Chomba Kaluba grew up in Zambia, Africa. While Zambia was a peaceful country, it was was surrounded by war and human conflict on the African continent, and he had few possessions in a small village. He often would have to travel about without shoes, had no clock or watch in the house, and all that was eaten was grown on his family’s land. Days were measured by the rising and setting of the sun. Attending middle school meant walking 9 miles to/from school each day.
A rich connection with a Maine based Peace Corps volunteer helped to expand Chomba’s curiousty about America and this led to a wonderful opportunity to attend Bates College. Chomba graduated from Bates and then receievd a Masters Degree in Conflict Transformation and Sustainable Development.
Chomba realized that he had the skills and gifts to go back home to contribute to sustainable peace, and this belief is a strong daily motivation to wake up every day to figure out how he will make the most positive difference in that day.
Chomba also realized that here in Maine, there was homelessness, crime, and unguided youth. Wanting to make a contribution in his American community, Chomba spent countless hours volunteering for the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Program, Preble Street Resource Center, and Rotary. He has been recognized as an outstanding volunteer, awarded the prestigous WCSH “Teens Who Care” Award, and eventually was the President of the local Rotary Chapter.
Chomba’s leadership, contributions home and abroad, and wisdom are clearly motivated by appreciation for life, love for each other, and a desire to help people live in their passion. The power of connection with others is what has created all of Chomba’s experiences. He challenges us to look at our own connections to figure out how we can grow our own passion.
Chomba shares a lot in this interview, but here are a few bits of his wisdom, just to get you thinking about your own journey:
Where ever you are, your home is your self!
Grow the good!
On being balanced, “I am blessed to wake up to see the sun another day, I start my day by appreciating all that I have.”
The only thing we have control over is how we think.
Connect with Chomba on Facebook if you would like to learn more about his fascinating and inspiring story: www.facebook.com/ckaluba.
