Meet the 2024 BSU Fellows
Raul Kassua Alberto Fernando
Angola
Raul Fernando has over five years of experience teaching the English language, as well as three years of experience translating English into Portuguese as a translator and interpreter. Raul is currently employed by the Ministry of Education as an English language instructor, where he teaches young students at Frei Maiato Junior High School. Raul is also a freelance translator and interpreter. He holds a bachelor's degree in English language and literature. Raul is motivated by seeing his students improve their communication skills, internet surfing abilities, understanding of their favorite English songs, and prospects for future employment. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to apply the skills and knowledge that he obtains to better manage large-group classrooms and solve everyday English teaching issues, hence increasing young learners' involvement in English language learning. Raul also intends to collect new graduates and trained teachers to share what he has learned from the program so that together they may improve their students' motivation to learn English more effectively and meaningfully.
Obakeng Reginald Chabanga
Botswana
Obakeng Chabanga has more than two years of legal experience. Obakeng currently works as an associate attorney at Williams Attorneys, where he specializes in litigation, human rights, research, policy, and advocacy. Obakeng is also an active member of the Banana Club, an artist-led collective dedicated to creating safe spaces for dialogue within the LGBTQIA+ community. As the Banana Club attorney, Obakeng provides legal support to the collective while helping to promote the visibility and inclusion of queer individuals in Botswana through art and events. He has also volunteered with the Motheo Lawyers Mentorship Trust, where he sat on the Public Relations Committee. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Botswana, as well as a certificate in public management and governance from the Young African Leaders Initiative's Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa (RLC-SA). Obakeng is dedicated to social justice advocacy through legal and policy reform, as well as providing legal resources to the public. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Obakeng intends to advance legal reform and provide legal services to underprivileged populations through a legal clinic and other programs that provide access to justice and legal resources.
Honette Nishimwe
Burundi
Honette Nishimwe has worked as a child rights activist for over three years. She is dedicated to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable, youth leadership, community behavior change, and human rights protection. She earned a bachelor's degree in community health. Honette is a volunteer who works to promote, defend, and protect children's rights in Burundi. She intends to continue her work as a child rights activist on the education and healthcare of vulnerable children after completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship by establishing a true humanitarian organization to support a large number of vulnerable children, particularly those from the Batwa community, through education, healthcare, and other income-generating activities that promote their socioeconomic development.
Quelita Vera Silves Goncalves
Cabo Verde
Quelita Gonçalves, an Administration graduate from the State University of ParaÃba, Brazil, brings over a decade of managerial experience, specializing in strategic planning for sustainable development. Working with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) since 2013, she advocates for migrant rights and their integration in Cabo Verde, while also addressing vulnerable migrant situations and fostering migration governance dialogues. Quelita's expertise extends to promoting diaspora engagement initiatives, combating human trafficking, and collaborating with IOM missions globally. Overall, her motivation is to continue her work at international organizations to transform people's lives, especially those in need. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Quelita plans to consolidate her leadership skills, boost IOM's leadership program based on this experience, and continue to lead by example, inspiring her team and putting people first.
Pauline Ojogho Achancho
Cameroon
Pauline Achancho has more than nine years of experience as a legal officer and court registrar in Cameroon's first instance and high courts. She is currently a law lecturer at the Catholic University of Central Africa, as well as the founder and pilot of the 'Get Away Corruption Initiative', which aims to combat corruption, illegal practices, and promote good governance. She has a doctorate in law and a certificate of achievement from Young Professional Fellowship Canada. Pauline is motivated by the growing trend of bad governance, which stifles the goals of more than 60% of youth. This is her motivation to contribute to the development of the Cameroonian justice system and to highlight the need for a strong and independent judiciary. She aspires to become a director of the Court Registry Corps at the Ministry of Justice to combat corruption and criminal practices in Cameroon.
Alhafiz Hassan Ahamat
Chad
Alhafiz Hassan Ahamat has more than six years of experience in governance, development, and youth leadership. Alhafiz is currently the chief of cabinet of the general manager at the National Company of Mines Exploitation and Control, where he works to improve the development of Chad's mining sector. He also serves as the country director for the Global Peace Chain, which promotes peace and tolerance around the world. Alhafiz founded hafizreflexion.com to encourage youth engagement, and he has received recognition for his contributions to peacebuilding and social impact. Alhafiz, who holds a master's degree in public law, is driven by a commitment to community advancement and environmental sustainability. Following the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he intends to use his abilities to improve governance and support sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on policy analysis, transparent administration, and empowering young leaders in Chad.
Ormiel Namwenge Maganga
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Ormiel Maganga has more than a year of experience in defense and security. Ormiel is currently a youth advocacy advisor at the National Defense and Security Congress Commission (National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), where she focuses on implementing youth-led advocacy strategies in conflict resolution processes. She takes part in the review of policies and strategies for external support and military deployment, as well as their social impact on people's daily lives in conflict zones. Ormiel has a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in defense and security from The Collège des Hautes Études de Stratégie et de Défense (CHESD), which is affiliated with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Ormiel is committed to preventing attacks on Congolese peace and dignity because she was born in the DRC's east and has witnessed the devastation caused by war. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ormiel intends to begin the process of taking on a leadership role in the DRC Ministry of National Defense Bureau of Civilian Diplomats, assisting the DRC in developing stable, long-term international defense relations and contributing to efforts to achieve long-lasting peace and cooperation.
Christian Mihigo Fazili
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Christian Fazili is a deputy public prosecutor, consultant, senior lecturer, and researcher at the University of Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He's been a senior human rights lawyer for five years. He has a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Gomaa and a Master of Laws in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria in South Africa. Christian also holds an international certificate in sustainable development and global justice from the University of Antwerp in Belgium. He recently graduated from the third African School of Decentralization, which was co-organized by the University of the Western Cape and the University of Addis Abeba in Ethiopia. In 2022, he graduated from the third class of the Nasser Fellowship for International Leadership in Cairo, Egypt, and became the Nasser Youth Movement's Congolese ambassador. Christian represented the Congolese Youth Biodiversity Network at the Conference of Parties (COP27) and the 17th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth (COY17), held in Sharm El-Sheikh in November 2022, where he spoke for Congolese youth on global climate issues. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, he plans to use his knowledge and skills to ensure that citizens' rights and freedoms are protected as required by law. Given his love for justice, Christian's goals and aspirations include serving as the head of the DRC's High Council of the Judiciary and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
Filmon Berhane Syum
Eritrea
Filmon Syum has over eight years of experience in the legal profession. Currently, Filmon is a public prosecutor at the Eritrean attorney general?s office, focusing on public prosecution as department head in Adi-Keih city. Along with his professional duties as a prosecutor, he contributes as a law school adjunct lecturer and as a volunteer in a committee to eradicate harmful cultural practices such as underage marriage, female circumcision and ill treatment of children. Moreover, he is a founder of a voluntary committee, Abusive Employment Relationships Watch, which assists non-standard workers who are in disguised employment and consequently are deprived of the available labor and social protections. Filmon holds a master's degree in Labor Law. Filmon is committed to upholding human rights and dignity and is motivated to realize the common good of his people. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Filmon plans to return to his home country and serve his people in the sector of law and justice.
Nokuthula Sibonokuhle Nkonyane
Eswatini
Nokuthula Sibonokuhle Nkonyane has more than eight years of experience in forensics. Nokuthula is currently a senior forensic analyst at the Royal Eswatini Police Service Forensic Science Laboratory (REPSFSL), where she focuses on routine analysis as well as quality implementation. She also served as the project lead for the DNA laboratory's establishment. She founded EraAfrica, a mentorship initiative that focuses on mentoring young people both online and locally. Nokuthula has a master's degree in applied biology and a bachelor's in biology and chemistry. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Nokuthula intends to share her knowledge, demonstrate ethical leadership, and continue to grow and foster project collaboration through the networks established by the fellowship.
Fresew Getaneh Amanu
Ethiopia
Fresew Getaneh is an experienced program manager and project coordinator who is passionate about gender equality and youth empowerment. With a BA in business administration and information systems, she boasts over 12 years of experience, with six of those years spent in non-governmental organizations. She excels at coordinating large-scale projects, implementing human-centered design work, and developing SBCC materials. Fresew, who is known for promoting innovative operational systems, currently serves as a menstrual hygiene management specialist for the NIRAS SCRS-WaSH TAP project. In her previous position as program manager and gender coordinator at Population Services International/Ethiopia (PSI/E), she oversaw effective project initiation, planning, implementation, and closure. Fresew's commitment to improving project management standards, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change demonstrates her versatility and effectiveness in a variety of contexts. She specializes in relationship building, collaboration, negotiating, and project management for the benefit of adolescent girls and women.
Tagel Wondimu Shanko
Ethiopia
Tagel Wondimu Shanko has over six years of experience in peace and security studies, including nearly a decade of teaching, research, and community service at two Ethiopian universities. Tagel has held various leadership, academic, research, and community service positions at two Ethiopian universities, as well as other government and non-governmental organizations. He has been an assistant professor and dean at MTU College since 2021. He also works as a field reporter for the Intergovernmental Authority on Development's Conflict Early Warning and Early Response (CEWARN) program in southwest Ethiopia. Tagel previously served as MTU's director of external and public relations and also worked as a volunteer liaison officer for the 5th Tana High Level Security Forum in Africa. He was appointed by the Bench-Sheko Zone administration to lead the voluntary public relations team for the Southwest Ethiopian Regional State from March 2021 to November 2022. Tagel received a BA in civics and ethical studies from Arba Minch University and an MA in peace and security studies from Addis Abeba University. Following the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Tagel plans to be a youth leader in the area of public management, focusing on community engagement and specifically empowering rural youths and minorities.
Satang Dumbuya
The Gambia
Satang Dumbuya has over 12 years of experience promoting human rights, particularly women's and children's rights. Satang is currently an advocacy and campaign officer at Network Against Gender-Based Violence, where she works to advance women's and girls' rights while also campaigning for gender-sensitive laws. She is the founder of Artlight, a civil society organization (CSO) that promotes awareness via the arts. She also serves as the lead needs assessment officer for the University of the Gambia Students Union?Students Endowment Funds (UTGSU-EF). Satang earned a bachelor's degree in law. She is committed to creating a world in which the voices of women and girls matter. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Satang intends to use her leadership skills to encourage women's active involvement and engagement in decision-making processes through rigorous campaigns and leading by example.
Willy Kipngetich Mutai
Kenya
Willy Mutai has over seven years of experience in the correctional service. Willy is currently a correctional officer with the Kenya Prisons Service, where he focuses on human rights. He has been working as a community volunteer for the Kenya Red Cross Society Samburu branch since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Willy earned a bachelor's degree in information technology from Mount Kenya University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in international relations and diplomacy at Kenya Methodist University. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Willy intends to pursue leadership roles in government agencies in order to drive positive change through effective policymaking, strategic planning, and organizational development. Willy also plans to provide tailored training on sustainable food security to 100 inmates and their families in Samburu County each year, enhancing their positive contributions to addressing complex societal challenges that affect the Samburu people.
Beth Zlanner Zarweah Munford
Liberia
Beth Z. Zarweah-Munford is a medical doctor with more than two years of experience and three years of clinical practice. Beth is currently a rural medical doctor assigned by the Ministry of Health to the G.W. Harley Hospital, where she specializes in patient assessment and management. She has been actively involved in volunteering with other local organizations and clinics in her area, going on medical outreach, seeing high-risk patients, treating them, and counseling those who require hospital stays for proper care. Beth has a Doctor of Medicine degree in General Medicine. She is motivated, driven, and dedicated to bettering the lives of pregnant women and children in her community. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Beth intends to launch a national campaign to raise pregnancy-related health awareness and provide counseling services. She also intends to specialize as a pediatrician and open a pediatric health care center in rural Liberia that will be open at all times to help mitigate and control some of the childhood illnesses that cause premature death.
Allen A. Thomas
Liberia
Allen A. Thomas has more than fifteen years of experience in education. Allen is currently the principal of Christian High School in Tappita and a classroom teacher at Tappeh Memorial High School. He founded the Best Teachers Initiative, which offers teacher training. Allen earned a bachelor's degree in education from ABC University in Yekepa. He is dedicated to making quality education accessible to all, as education is the foundation of every society. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Allen intends to inspire teachers throughout Liberia by training them to adapt educational best practices, with a focus on rural teachers, who are often underserved. He also intends to establish a teacher center in his hometown of Tappita, where teachers can gather on a regular basis to learn and participate in enrichment activities.
Andriantenaina Omena Du Saint Rosaire Ranarivelonirina
Madagascar
Omena Ranarivelonirina has over four years of experience with public procurement control. Omena is currently employed by OIMP as a public procurement controller, where he focuses on combating corruption in public procurement. He has a master's degree in management sciences, focusing on finance and accounting. In addition to his professional pursuits, Omena has been actively involved in volunteer work with Youth for a United World since 2008. In 2019, he was selected for the YALI RLC Southern Africa cohort 19, and in 2021, he participated in the AIDS and Rights Alliance for Southern Africa's (ARASA) Training Leadership Programme in sexual and reproductive health, HIV, and human rights advocacy in Southern and East Africa. Omena is committed to advancing ethical and transparent governance practices in public procurement. Omena intends to use the knowledge and networks she gained from the Mandela Washington Fellowship to strengthen her efforts to combat corruption and promote integrity in public procurement processes.
Anne Julia Cupidon
Mauritius
Anne-Julia Cupidon has over six years of experience in education, child welfare, and community empowerment. Currently, Anne-Julia is an educational psychologist at the Commission for Education under Rodrigues Regional Assembly, where she focuses on providing counseling to students and their parents and delivers capacity-building training sessions for teachers and care providers. In addition, Anne-Julia has been volunteering in Rodrigues for 13 years, where she has been working on projects related to mental health awareness, sexual education, youth empowerment, and social and educational inclusion. She is the upcoming curator for Global Shapers Rodrigues Hub where she is also a peer mentor, mental health facilitator, and co-lead of public relations and communications. Anne-Julia holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Pune, India. Anne-Julia is an ardent believer in human-potential and trusts that with information exposure and a sufficient support system, everyone is capable of great things. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Anne-Julia intends to continue her work in education and community empowerment as well as persue a master's degree in clinical psychology.
Albertina Shihawa Haindaka
Namibia
Albertina Haindaka, an advocate for free access to information, is currently employed as a librarian. Her commitment extends to improving literacy and math skills while encouraging lifelong learning. She earned a diploma and a Bachelor of Arts in library and information science from the University of Namibia. Albertina is currently pursuing a master's degree in library and information studies at the University of Cape Town. She founded a social library youth club in 2023 with the purpose of encouraging skill development. She collaborated with NGOs and other libraries to provide young people with basic business education and networking possibilities. Albertina also teamed with teachers to provide free supplementary classes to 265 children in grades 1-12. These sessions sought to improve academic achievement and promote education.
Saifullah Hamza Maishanu
Nigeria
Saifullah Maishanu is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in government and community development. Saifullah is currently a senior standards officer at the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), where he plays an important role in standardization activities. His responsibilities include developing, issuing, and ensuring compliance with standards. His expertise and dedication to quality have earned him the privilege to represent Nigeria on the African Organization for Standardization Technical Committee on Healthcare Services (ARSO/TC 74) since 2022. Prior to joining SON, Saifullah worked as a public health officer at the State Ministry of Health in Sokoto State, Nigeria, where he contributed significantly to improving public health outcomes. He is the secretary of the Sokoto Education Support Forum (SESFO), a registered non-profit organization founded in 2017 to supplement government efforts in the education sector. He also co-founded and co-convenes the Community Collaborative Initiative for Peacebuilding in Sokoto (COMCIPS), which was established in 2014 to promote inter-religious cooperation and conflict resolution among Muslims and Christians. Saifullah earned a master's degree in public policy and global health from the University of Durham and a bachelor's degree in biomedical science from London Metropolitan University. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Saifullah intends to use his newfound knowledge, skills, and network to make a lasting impact in his community and beyond.
Obianuju Blessing Iloanya
Nigeria
Obianuju Iloanya has over five years of development experience, with a particular emphasis on advocating for social justice and human rights. She is currently the programs director at the Aspilos Foundation and Charity, where she designs and implements education, gender, and youth leadership initiatives for Nigeria's low-income communities. She also coordinates projects aimed at bringing justice and closure to victims and survivors of police violence and enforced disappearances. Obianuju, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, is inspired by her own experience of losing her brother, Chijioke Iloanya, to police brutality and enforced disappearance, as well as the realities of being a poor Nigerian woman. She is committed to using her expertise to advocate for justice and equality for all. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Obianuju plans to continue her mission of promoting social justice and gender equality, advocating for youth inclusion, and empowering marginalized communities in Nigeria and beyond.
Nnene Effiong Bassey
Nigeria
Nnene Bassey has over four years of experience as a social worker and disability community volunteer. She is currently the governor's special assistant for people with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, as well as the executive director of advocacy for the Persons with Albinism Network and the Community of Persons with Disabilities. Her focus is on integrating people with disabilities across all sectors by leveraging existing policies, strategizing for implementation, advocating for necessary reviews, and ensuring inclusivity in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Nnene has worked with numerous civil society organizations and volunteered with disability groups both locally and globally to challenge societal stigmas against the disabled, highlight their abilities, and speak out against discrimination and violence. Nnene has a bachelor's degree in biology instruction. Following the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she hopes to share her knowledge with young people in the disability community, mobilize them, and equip them with the tools for achieving an inclusive society. She intends to work with relevant institutions to address community concerns, promote patriotism and self-esteem among young people with disabilities, and foster lifelong learning, innovation, and problem-solving to create a brighter future.
Ferah Aysel Gules
South Africa
Ferah Aysel Gules has nine years of experience in the field of social work. Currently, Ferah is a regional program coordinator at the Department of Social Development, focusing on social crime prevention, victim empowerment, children and families, older persons, and persons with disabilities. Ferah provides support to management teams through the provision of quality assurance and monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of the region to provincial offices. Ferah has volunteered at Groote Schuur Hospital where she rendered medical crisis intervention services and currently volunteers at the only Muslim old age home in Cape Town. Ferah holds an honors degree in social work from the University of the Western Cape and is currently completing her master's degree with a focus on medication misuse. Ferah is motivated to enhance, empower, and strengthen vulnerable populations. Ferah is interested in the Leadership in Public Management track so that she can develop her skills and expertise in the management of public policies, legislations, and implementations so that she can further strengthen stakeholder partnerships locally and globally. Following completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ferah plans to pursue a PhD, develop empowerment programs that will enrich society, and render developmental capacitation to enhance best practice models.