The Visionary of Kissanga Kungo, Cela

By John Elmiro da Rocha Chaves

In the heart of Kissanga Kungo, where the midday sun bathes the red pyrite earth, warming the skin and making the air vibrate with its intense heat, the voices of the village echo in harmony, accompanied by the smell of the earth and the distant sound of children playing. Zé, a young man with a dreamy look and modest clothes, stops before the old well. The water that reflects his face also reflects a future beyond what his eyes could initially imagine—a future where he, more than a survivor, is a pioneer and leader of his community.

After long days spent helping with the harvest and doing the chores that sustained the village, Zé found a place of dreams in the well. Every time he looked down at his own reflection, he would whisper to himself, “I see what I can become.” These were the moments that connected him to the future, as if he were about to cross an invisible threshold. The warm wind passed by, raising a light dust, and he lost himself in his thoughts, hearing only the echo of his own words.

Dona Chica, the village storyteller, a woman whose eyes held the wisdom of the ages, watched young Zé with affection. She saw in his gestures, in the way he was lost in thought, the call of something greater. One afternoon, she approached and, in her soft yet powerful voice, said: “Boy Zé, the real work happens in the heart and mind. Sow there, and your harvest will be eternal.”

Zé remembered well a story that Dona Chica told one night by the light of the campfire. It spoke of a young man who planted magical seeds that, with dedication, transformed a barren field into a lush garden. That story inspired him deeply, showing him that the power of transformation came from within. Those words and stories echoed within Zé, taking root.

He then began to dedicate his time not only to farming and manual labor, but to studying and learning. At first, he faced difficulties. The lack of books and materials made learning a real challenge. There were nights when, exhausted from working in the fields, he fought against sleep to read the few pages he had managed to borrow. But his determination was stronger. Self-taught, he learned new agricultural techniques and methods of water conservation, applying his discoveries to the village fields, which began to flourish beyond expectations.

Soon, Joe’s transformation was no longer just a reflection in the well, but a tangible revolution in the village. The fields were greener, the produce more abundant, and the well, which had once represented only subsistence, was now a meeting place where the villagers shared renewed hope. Joe didn’t just dream; he led.

It was he who organized the construction of a rainwater collection system, ensuring that even dry seasons would no longer bring despair. It was he who renovated the small school, inviting young people to learn alongside him, teaching them to read, write and think big, to imagine the future not as something unattainable, but as something to be cultivated day after day. During a class, Zé said: “Every letter you learn today is a tool for building tomorrow. You are the architects of our future.”

The entire village was transformed. Inspired by Zé’s determination, the young people began to see him not just as an equal, but as a true leader, an example that change begins within each individual. And together, the young people of Kissanga Kungo planted the seeds of a more just and prosperous community.

Then, on a seemingly ordinary day, a delegation from an international organization arrived in the village. They had come to meet the young leader whose actions were transforming lives. Zé led them through the green fields, showing them the irrigation systems, the community nursery, and the small school that had now become a center of learning. One of the visitors, with an awed look on his face, commented, “We have never seen anything like this in such a small village. It is inspiring.” Zé smiled and replied, “Here, everyone has an important role to play in the future we are building.”

The decision to leave was not easy. Zé knew that his roots were there, deeply embedded in the red earth of Kissanga Kungo. But he also knew that by leaving, he could return even more prepared to help his people. For weeks, he trained other young people to take on his responsibilities. Dona Chica, her eyes filled with pride, said to him as he left: “You saw yourself in that well and made your vision come true, Zé. But remember, the truest reflection is the one that lives in the eyes of others.”

On the day of his departure, the entire village gathered in the square, next to the well. The farewell was filled with hope, not sadness. Everyone knew that Zé would return, and with him he would bring new knowledge and new opportunities.

And so it was. During his time away, Zé absorbed every lesson and, at the same time, taught the world that the strength of a community lies in the hearts of its people. He learned about sustainable development, advanced agricultural practices and, above all, the importance of community unity. When he returned, he brought with him experts willing to help. The village became a model for other regions, an example that development does not need to come from outside, but can be sown in the soil at home.

Kissanga Kungo’s square became the beating heart of the village. Where once only the well represented an uncertain future, there was now a library, classrooms, and a vibrant community center. Children ran among the trees, and adults gathered to discuss new projects. The well was still there, but now as a symbol of endless possibilities.

On a quiet afternoon, Zé stopped in front of the well once again. The reflection he saw was of a man who, with courage and vision, transformed not only his own life, but the lives of everyone around him. The air was fresh, and the sky was turning orange and pink as the sun set. The children played beside him, smiling, free from their old difficulties, ready for a future created with love and dedication.

With a serene smile and a peaceful heart, Zé looked to the horizon. Each day that passed was a promise fulfilled, a hope realized. And, as the golden light gave way to the peaceful night, he silently gave thanks for the journey, for the community and for the future that was yet to come.

END.