Kalenga Kamwendo: Zambia’s youngest pilot at 20 years old

In 2015, at the youthful age of twenty, Kalenga Kamwendo etched his name in Zambia’s aviation history by becoming the country’s youngest pilot. His journey from a small town in Kitwe to the cockpit of Proflight Zambia’s aircraft exemplifies determination, talent, and the power of pursuing one’s dreams.

Born and raised in Kitwe, part of Zambia’s Copperbelt, Kamwendo’s fascination with aviation sparked during his high school years. Excelling in English, Maths, and Physics, he enrolled at Forty Three Air School in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after completing secondary school in 2011.

In just a year and three months, Kamwendo amassed an impressive 200 hours of flying and secured his commercial pilot’s license, outpacing many of his peers in both skill and speed. Proflight Zambia, committed to nurturing local talent, recognized his potential and welcomed him to their team as a First Officer on his 20th birthday in August 2014.

As part of Proflight’s elite crew of 36 pilots, Kamwendo embarked on flights crisscrossing Zambia and extending into Malawi. From Lusaka to Livingstone, Mfuwe, Ndola, and beyond, he swiftly became an integral part of the airline’s operations.

Reflecting on his early days as a commercial pilot, Kamwendo recalls the nerves and excitement, “I was nervous; I didn’t even have the full uniform. I was flying to Kasama and had to be up at 4 am.” Yet, these challenges soon transformed into the satisfaction of witnessing passengers’ joy and the pure thrill of flying.

Originally aspiring to follow in his father’s footsteps as an engineer, Kamwendo shifted gears upon learning of a mistaken belief that Zambians couldn’t become pilots. Determined to dispel this notion, he pursued aviation, leaving an indelible mark on Zambia’s aviation landscape.

His journey continued in 2016 when, at 21, Kamwendo reached the significant milestone of 1,000 flight hours. This achievement, while flying from Lusaka to Mfuwe, positioned him closer to the 1,500-hour mark, paving the way for Senior Officer license exams and the potential to captain his own flights.

Guided by the experienced Capt. Vivian Sikazwe, Kamwendo drew inspiration from his Proflight family and expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him. His story serves as a beacon of hope for Zambia’s youth, reinforcing the idea that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

In a world where stories of triumph over adversity are often overshadowed, Melonie Wright’s journey shines as a beacon of hope, resilience, and determination. From being labeled a ‘special needs’ student in her early education to overcoming homelessness and an abusive relationship, Melonie’s inspiring story is a testament to the power of faith and the indomitable human spirit.

Melonie’s journey began in a special education classroom, where teachers doubted her potential and foresaw a future of perpetual dependency. However, Melonie defied expectations, excelling through high school and college with the highest honors. Her academic achievements painted a stark contrast to the challenges she would later face.

As life unfolded, Melonie found herself pregnant and trapped in an abusive relationship. Homelessness became a reality, and financial struggles intensified as she navigated law school as a single mother. Despite facing moments of despair and having minimal resources, Melonie persevered, determined to create a brighter future for herself and her daughter.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Melonie shared her journey, emphasizing her unwavering faith in God. “If my life means anything, it means that God is alive and walking with my imperfect, broken, messed-up past self,” she expressed. The post resonated with thousands, highlighting the profound impact of her story on those facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. Click here to continue reading about Melonie.

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