In mid 2019, WYA warmly welcomed Cynthia Maingi, the new Regional Director for WYA Africa.
Cynthia first encountered WYA on campus when she was then taking her undergraduate degree in Sociology, Conflict and Peace Studies from the University of Nairobi. She began as a regional intern soon after and eventually served as the office’s first Regional Program Assistant. Before stepping into the directorship, Cynthia also previously worked as the procurement and grants assistant for USAID – International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
“I am looking forward to working with young people from across the continent to bring WYA to their communities, and empower them through giving them the skills and knowledge to advocate for Human Dignity. I also hope to implement the Human Dignity Curriculum (HDC) and Fertility Education and Medical Management (FEMM) across the region,” shares Cynthia on what she’s most excited about on working as WYA Africa’s Regional Director.
Looking forward, Cynthia envisions that the Africa region will continue to foster societies that affirm life and the value of the family; and to have these values incorporated in the continental’s objective to achieve regional integration and development. She hopes to make this possible by strengthening the roots of WYA Africa within Kenya and the whole African region, boosting interaction in more African states through chapters and clubs, acquiring more strategic funding opportunities, and building a stronger alumni base. She sees the Human Dignity Curriculum, the Certified Training Program, and the Fertility Education and Medical Management taking the forefront of these goals which will not only allow further collaboration but also sustain effective models for member engagement.
As she now takes the helm in leading WYA Africa, Cynthia gives these words in parting, “I want to give a message of hope to young people in Africa. We have great potential to be the drivers of positive change in our region. Let every decision that we make be informed by our dignity, and desire for the common good. In the words of Kofi Annan, ‘You are never too young to lead, and do not doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not’.”
