Kuba ni Kooleka: The Power of Giving and Connection in Zambia

“Icikupe mpuku, cibala kucisu” — Small acts of kindness and generosity can open doors for greater acts of help and support.

I’ve just returned from a conference in Lusaka, Zambia, and what an unforgettable experience it was. What began as a professional trip turned into a powerful reminder of how kindness transcends cultures, languages, and borders.

A Morning in Lusaka

It was the morning of the Fulfilment Conference. I arrived early to make sure everything was in order, Wi-Fi, sound, projection, all the details that can make or break a full day of events.

As I stepped out into the foyer, one of the hotel concierges, a lovely young lady, approached me with curiosity and asked about the conference. As I explained, I noticed her eyes light up. She was genuinely interested, not just in the event, but in the purpose behind it.

Before long, I found myself telling her about Memriz, my passion project that celebrates everyday acts of kindness through stories and small tokens, symbolised by a lapel pin.

She listened intently, fascinated by the idea that kindness could be memorialised, turned into something tangible and lasting. And, of course, I gave her a lapel pin of her own. She was about to be mesmerised.

Kuba ni Kooleka: The Power of Giving and Connection in Zambia

The moment she held that pin in her hand, she suddenly embraced me and began to cry. It caught me completely off guard. As I gently wiped her tears, I realised how deeply she had been moved, not by the pin itself, but by the gesture.

We exchanged contact details and promised to keep in touch. It wasn’t just a passing moment; it was a profound connection between two people from opposite sides of the world.

That day, I learned something truly beautiful about Zambian culture. There’s a saying: “Kuba ni kooleka”,, meaning “To give is to retain.” It captures the essence of kindness, that when we give freely, we never truly lose what we’ve given. Instead, it multiplies, coming back in unexpected ways.

The Ripple of Kindness

This wasn’t the first time a simple act of generosity sparked an emotional bond with a stranger, but this encounter in Zambia felt especially profound. It reminded me that kindness has no borders, no language barriers, and no limits.

The lapel pin may have been small, but its impact was immense. Kindness, when given sincerely, lingers in both the giver and the receiver.

Share Your Memriz Moment

What has been the highlight of your week? Have you experienced an unexpected act of kindness or shared one that made a lasting impression?

👉 Share your story on Memriz.online. Let’s continue to encourage one another, celebrate compassion, and remind the world that giving is the simplest way to connect.

Have a lovely week, and keep spreading kindness wherever you go.