Mandela Washington Fellowship – 2023

Sandra Sefhako – Botswana

Has 10 years of experience in psychology. Sandra is a psychologist and a program manager at Unified Key Population Center for Health and Social Rights, a community- based organization in Botswana providing health- related services to orphans, vulnerable children, adolescent girls, and young women. She incorporates mobile psychotherapy to reach the unreached communities. She is trained in play and drama therapy, which she uses in sessions on issues of abuse and trauma. Additionally, she volunteers as an addiction counselor. Sandra holds a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Psychology. She is pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology with a focus on child and adolescent mental health. She is passionate about mental health awareness and gender-based violence advocacy and is committed to working with children, adolescent girls, and young women on mental health awareness, sexual reproductive health, and life skills mentorship. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Sandra plans to apply her new knowledge and skills to enhance service delivery and community development. Her goal is to mobilize resources to develop mobile psychological support services tailored to community needs.

Rita Ambeu – Cote d’Ivoire 

Is a filmmaker from Côte d’Ivoire with eight years of experience. To her credit, she has a feature film, a series, and a very short film. In 2020, Rita was the production manager for a feature film; in 2021, she was the assistant director for a series. Also a cultural entrepreneur, Rita is the chief executive officer of On Move, a brand specializing in digital marketing, publishing, events management, talent management and training, media production, and broadcasting. She is the founder of the Women Film Academy and Adzope Fait Son Cinema and is president of YERDA Côte d’Ivoire. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Rita plans to expand her organizations and use them to continue to support women and Africans in the entertainment industry.

Ilham Chirwa – Djibouti 

Has more than six years of experience in administration. Ilham is a mid- supervisor in the billing department at Dar el Hanane, a maternity hospital. She has also written and co-directed a short movie, “A Bid of Light,” with the Cinematography Department of Djibouti. Ilham holds a bachelor’s degree in Economic Management from the University of Djibouti. Ilham is passionate about filmmaking and is driven to become a movie director who tells stories of young local women that are full of challenges. She hopes to contribute to changing the mindset of people in her community about women’s and girls’ issues. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Ilham plans to stand and advocate for women and young girls who go through violence. She hopes to gain community leadership and advocacy as she wants to protect and defend those victims with her voice and creativity. Ilham hopes to become one of the best female movie directors who will inspire millions of women and win awards for her work. She also dreams of becoming a philanthropist and being part of the United Nation’s women’s issues.

Kulsma Nur Ali – Ethiopia 

Is a professional with more than three years of experience in fields including media, research, and academia. She has worked as a senior reporter, show host, digital media content creator, and assistant lecturer of law at Addis Ababa University. As a research fellow at the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy, Kulsma researched girls’ vulnerability to child marriage because of conflict in northern Ethiopia. She has also interned with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Ethiopia Women Lawyers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws in Public International Law. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, she intends to work on community-based initiatives to empower vulnerable women and girls in conflict-affected communities of northern Ethiopia.

Lilian Olivia Orero – Kenya

Has more than four years of experience as a lawyer, advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and award-winning writer and researcher. Currently, Lilian Olivia is a researcher at the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law at Strathmore University focusing on feminist research in the field of artificial intelligence and data governance. She has previously worked and volunteered with various organizations, such as the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, International Research & Exchanges Board, Katiba Institute, East Africa Law Society, and UN Women. Lilian Olivia holds a Bachelor of Laws (Moi University), a postgraduate diploma in Law (Kenya School of Law), and Advanced Human Rights certificates (University of Pretoria, University of Cape Town, and the University of Witwatersrand). Lilian Olivia is motivated to end technology-facilitated gender-based violence in Kenya through research and dialogue on the harmful impacts of digital technologies. Upon completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Lilian Olivia plans to start an organization that trains young women and girls on digital literacy and technology, creates awareness of the gendered impacts of digital technologies, and strengthens the role of women in tech by organizing hackathons to reduce technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Brian Waihenya – Kenya

Has more than five years of experience in the writing industry. Currently, Brian is a writer and lead interviewer at Potentash, a blog that focuses on creating awareness about issues faced by people who are disabled in Kenya. Brian is also the founder of the Strong Spine Foundation, which seeks to empower people who are disabled by providing assistive devices and advocating for inclusion. He is passionate about changing the narrative of people who are disabled in Africa and providing them with tools to improve their quality of life. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Brian plans to expand his foundation across Kenya and Africa and champion legislation and social change in the disability community.

Kahisano Amelia Kolobe – Lesotho

Has 10 years of experience in the development sector, where she has been a human rights activist and a youth development worker. She also has experience in governance, enterprise development, civic education, leadership, sexual and reproductive right and health, and public policy. Currently, Kahisano is the Lesotho project manager and country lead at the Democracy Works Foundation, an organization that provides countries with the tools needed to build resilient democracies. Kahisano’s fundamental interests lie in youth development, access to education for marginalized groups, skills transfer, and mentorship. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Kahisano plans to help professionalize youth development work In Lesotho and improve access and equity to education among disenfranchised youth, especially teen mothers and youth who have had trouble with the law.

Fatoumata Koita – Mali

Is a journalist, an activist in the field of waste treatment and recovery, and president of the Mali Clean Movement, an organization that aims to challenge the state and invite the population to preserve the environment and make Mali clean. Currently, Fatoumata is a reporter for the communication group Rainbow, where she writes about culture, art, tourism, and health. She has participated in several international programs and is a member of the Movement to Combat Violence against Girls and Women. Fatoumata holds a master’s degree in Marketing Communication and Advertising and a diploma in Journalism. Through the Mali Clean Movement, she aspires to create a platform dedicated exclusively to the environment. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Fatoumata plans to expand her organization to all regions of the country, including building a complex that will include a training center for women and youth, a green library, and an ecological restaurant.

Joseph Ndondi – Namibia

Is cofounder and executive director at Social Enabled Education Namibia, a nonprofit that encourages young people to participate in democratic processes. The organization encourages and empowers the electorate to understand the roles and responsibilities of elected officials. Through its work in capacity building and in civic and voter education, the organization is a trusted catalyst for nation building. Joseph has also worked with multiple organizations that have given him different experiences that he now uses in consulting with emerging nongovernmental organizations to strengthen civil societies. He is passionate about diplomacy, youth empowerment, community development, and social and digital entrepreneurship. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Joseph plans to continue his work strengthening democratic values that can facilitate youth involvement in electoral cycles across Namibia and Africa.

Jemimah David Makeri – Nigeria

Is a visual storyteller, media producer, and children’s photographer in Nigeria who uses photography and filmmaking to document authentic stories of children while advocating for their rights. Jemimah works with Almajiri Child Rights Initiative to use visual storytelling to highlight the educational and abuse issues of marginalized children. She also leads the communications team at Hope and Care Foundation, a faith-based nonprofit organization, to garner support for orphans, vulnerable children, and children affected by conflicts through storytelling. Jemimah volunteers her storytelling skills with Child Evangelism Fellowship, which focuses on instilling positive values in children, and with the fashion brand Hardwear Customs, which produces eco-friendly African clothing for children and youth. She holds a degree in Radio, TV, and Film Production Studies from Eastern Mediterranean University, and she has received practical training in media and communications for development from Youth-Hub Africa and others. She is passionate about using media to instill positive values in the lives of children and to advocate for their rights. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Jemimah plans to continue using media tools to influence actions toward achieving child rights through her budding storytelling company, while also building a team of storytellers.

Diepriye Ibim Diri – Nigeria

Has more than five years of experience working as a women’s and children’s rights activist in Nigeria. She is an expert in responding to sexual and gender- based violence as a film writer and director and uses media to try to prevent sexual and gender-based violence. Currently, Priye is head of programs and advocacy at the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation, where she manages campaigns, coordinates events and training, handles partnerships, and responds to and raises awareness on gender-based violence. Priye holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Priye plans to continue her work on women’s rights by focusing on media and storytelling to prevent and achieve gender democracy and to create films that can shape mindsets and spark conversations.

Onyeka Nwigwe – Nigeria

Has more than five years of experience in peacebuilding, preventing violent extremism, community development, and public policy. Onyeka is founder and executive director of the African Resilient Initiative for Community and Sustainable Development, a youth-led organization that implements creative approaches to mitigate vulnerability to violence, enhance social cohesion, and deepen development in underserved communities through global citizenship, peace education, literacy development, gender mainstreaming, and youth participation and empowerment. He is an Alumnus of the Young African Leaders Initiative and West African Regional Leadership Center. He is also a global activist with ONE Campaign, a World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community member, and a young leader with the 2021 Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. He is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management. Onyeka holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Abuja and certifications from the University of Copenhagen and the United States Institute of Peace. Onyeka is passionate about creating a culture of peace and tolerance and deepening sustainable development in underserved communities through impactful projects and initiatives. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Onyeka plans to scale up the impact of the organizations he leads across Africa.

Chioma Fakorede – Nigeria

Is a holistic wellness consultant, certified yoga instructor, author, speaker, and entrepreneur in Nigeria. She is the founder of Olamma Cares Foundation, a nongovernmental organization that creates mental health awareness and supports people with mental health conditions. She directly impacted numerous individuals through outreach and intervention programs, free mental health screenings, and virtual crisis support. Chioma holds a degree in Petroleum Engineering from Covenant University in Nigeria. She is passionate about serving people in her community and positively impacting humanity. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Chioma plans to improve and modify her organization’s existing telemedicine for mental health model, present the new model to more stakeholders, and push for the adoption and institutionalization of telemedicine for mental health in rural communities in Nigeria.

Ibrahima Syll – Senegal

Has more than nine years of experience in the field of renewable energy. Currently, Ibrahima is the general manager at SN Energy in Dakar, Senegal. He focuses on providing access to clean and sustainable energy to poor people in rural areas to improve their living conditions. He was the general secretary and was responsible for the ecological policy of the EIG SUXALI Ndiekinane. Ibrahima holds a university degree in Electrical Engineering (Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Industrial Computing, and Telecommunications). He is committed to putting his skills at the service of disadvantaged populations for a more inclusive society. At the end of the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Ibrahima plans to help solve the problems of the 3 million Senegalese whose economic development was delayed by a lack of access to electrical energy.

Ephraim Modi Duku Sokiri – South Sudan

Has over a year of experience in the field of journalism. Ephraim holds a diploma in business administration. He is devoted to using constructive news articles to inform regular citizens about the country’s current affairs and alert the government to what citizens want. Upon completion of the Mandela Washington Fellowship, Ephraim hopes to continue writing well-balanced and unbiased stories and begin mentoring youth on digital reporting and gathering information.

Cherno Gaye – The Gambia

Is an activist with more than eight years of experience in civil society work. Currently, Cherno is programs manager for Activista The Gambia, a youth- led civil society organization that focuses on issues such as governance, democracy, youth and women empowerment, gender equality, sexual- and gender-based violence, and climate change. Cherno is in his final year of law studies at the University of The Gambia and holds a higher national diploma in Law. He is motivated to wake up every day and do something that brings positive change to the lives of other people. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Cherno plans to amplify his work to promote the participation of youth and women in politics, combat climate change, and advocate for good governance and gender equality. Cherno also plans to run for parliament so that he can offer people in The Gambia the representation that they deserve.

Patrick Kapanda Kabanda – Zambia

Has more than five years of experience in climate change advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy influence. Patrick also has more than two years of experience as a lecturer and instructor of geographic information systems, remote sensing, and environment and development. Currently, Patrick is the district disaster management coordinator at the Office of the Vice President, Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit, where he focuses on the implementation of disaster management policy, capacity building, community and stakeholder engagement, and disaster preparedness. Previously, he was head of programs for the Zambia Climate Change Network and volunteered with nongovernmental organizations. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Natural Resources Management and holds certifications in strategic environmental assessment, geographic information systems, REDD+, and OSSOC. Patrick is committed to nongovernmental organization advocacy, which partners with and represents the aspirations and voices of grassroots or marginalized groups in policy influence or community projects. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Patrick plans to contribute toward the effective management of nongovernmental organization networks and consortiums and prioritize community and stakeholder partnerships to drive timely and timely advocacy that responds to societal needs.

Juliet Gudhlanga – Zimbabwe

Is a researcher, ecofeminist justice activist, and founder of the Women’s Network for Environment and Climate Action (WONECA). She holds a Master of Science in Gender and Policy Studies and has a decade of professional experience. Juliet has carried out feminist participatory research and civic education, building collective environmental protection based on indigenous values, women’s inclusion in sustainable mineral resource governance, and strengthening livelihoods that benefit the whole community. She is a published author with the leading international journal on gender and development, which explores women’s agency and political mobilization in Zimbabwe’s Chiadzwa diamond communities and examines the gendered impact of this extractive economy. Recognizing that unequal relations of power based on gender are a key cause of the violations of women’s rights, she lobbies for gender-responsive and gender-transformative policies and practices related to water, food security, and a clean, healthy, and safe environment. Juliet believes that there is little knowledge, research, and information on climate networks in Zimbabwe despite the potential that women-led networks can provide to the environmental justice movement. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Juliet plans to strengthen the development outcomes and sustainability of WONECA’s initiatives.

Takunda Wilson Make – Zimbabwe

Has more than 10 years? experience in human rights, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. Currently, Takunda is a program management officer at the United Nations Development Programme’s Zimbabwe country office, focusing on human rights and humanitarian law, peacebuilding, and transitional justice. He has had roles at the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and provided technical advice to the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. Takunda holds a Master of Laws in Constitutional and Human Rights Law. His interest in human rights and humanitarian law was borne out of a passion for historical documentaries, which often led him to question how various human rights abuses and crimes against humanity could go unchecked. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Takunda plans to join humanitarian interventions around the world, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. He plans to develop hybrid approaches to human rights and humanitarian interventions. He aims to integrate the traditional and cultural aspects of human rights and find creative ways to fuse them with international best practices to create solutions that are traditionally owned but also adaptable on the world stage through knowledge-sharing platforms and exchanges.

Calvin Manika – Zimbabwe

Has five years of experience in journalism. Currently, Calvin is the chief executive officer at the Besana Mail, a media organization that works to close the information gap in children’s journalism in Zimbabwe’s Hwange District. He has volunteered at the Zambezi Times and Community Podium News, reporting on issues that affect marginalized communities. He has also volunteered in his community on issues such as protecting the environment. Calvin holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies. He strives to close the information gap in marginalized communities and to create media platforms for children that will give them a voice and help them become bold future leaders and participants in community development. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Calvin intends for his work to reach every child living in a rural area. He plans to grow the Besana Mail to be country’s biggest children’s journalism platform.

Youngerson Matete – Zimbabwe

Is a pro-democracy and human rights activist. For the past decade, he has been working at the grassroots level to promote inclusive youth participation in Zimbabwe. He is the founder and current executive director of Project Vote 263, a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization. Project Vote 263 is a youth-led initiative that was formed to foster and promote inclusive youth participation, multiparty democracy, good governance, and constitutionalism. It mobilizes people to register to vote, conducts civic and voter education, encourages young people to run for public office, and advocates for both electoral and political reforms. Youngerson is a social and economic justice advocate, a renowned constitutionalism activist, and a student of political science. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Great Zimbabwe University. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, he plans to apply his new skills and networks to grow Project Vote 263.