Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (VI)

Bernadette NGO NGOS-Cameroon-26 years

My name is Bernadette NGO NGOS. I was born February 11th (the feast of youth in Cameroon) 1984 in a small town in Cameroon. I am the last born in a family of 5. I did my entire career (kindergarten, primary school and high school) in the Western Region of Cameroon (Bafoussam). Diligent and brave, I obtained my Bachelor of Science and Mathematics in 2003. I was fascinated by the past two professions: medicine and journalism.

 Driven by destiny, I introduced and passed the entrance examination to the Graduate School of Science and Technology of Information and Communication (ESSTIC). A School located in Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon. It was during an internship in 2004 at a development NGO, when I developed a passion for the development sector in general and the particular genre. 

Then I joined associations campaigning for the same cause where I worked as a volunteer, then as a consultant. I am now a master's degree student in professional communication, with the aim of obtaining a doctorate in development / gender. I am a consultant at ACAFEJ (Cameroonian Association of Women Lawyers) and AJVC (Green Youth Association of Cameroon) where I am in charge of communication.

 I am also an intern at a communications agency that specializes in media monitoring. My greatest wish is to work in the field of development and gender in particular. I dream of a fair and equitable Africa with men and women working together for development.

Omolara Oyelakun Tay-Ghana-25 years 

Omolara Oyelakun Tay is a goal driven person and oriented growing women who understands the troubles of womanhood, the causes and effects of these problems on  the  social,  economic,  and  political  gains  that  could  be  faced  by  women  from  Different cultural  practices  and  society.  Omolara  Tay  is  currently  working  for

Women Peace and Security Network Africa (WIPSEN-Africa) a pan –Africa non- governmental  organization  that  works  to  promote  women’s  strategic  participation and leadership in governances of peace and security as Programmes Assistant.

She  a  practitioner  and  have  experience  in  conflict prevention  and  peace  building especially  in  Gender  and  Security  Sector  Reform,  as  well  as  training  and  capacity building  for  young  girls.  She  is  currently  handling  the  Young  Girl’s  Leadership project in Liberia and the Refugees Girls project in Ghana. Ms. Tay work has been on  promoting  women’s  and  young  girl’s  strategic  participation  and  leadership  in peace and security governance in Africa. She is a Ghanaian and holds a first degree from  Kwame  Nkrumah  University  of  Science  and  Technology  in  Kumasi  and graduated in 2007.  

Umuhoza Karim Sahiya-Rwanda-25 years

My name is Umuhoza Karim Sahiya born on the 16^th November 1985 in Rwanda. I am the first born out of five .I completed my primary education in 1999 from Kigali Parents’ school. I then went to FAWE GIRLS’ SCHOOL where I obtained both my ‘O’ and ‘A’ level certificates. I am currently a mechanical engineering student at KIGALI INSTUTUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.

I have participated in a number of different activities, trainings and workshops   to help improve the wellbeing of the society .I am committed, confident, responsible and work under minimum supervision. I am ready to meet challenges and will be very glad to meet and share constructive ideas and experiences with other participants.


Carolina Contreras-Dominican Republic-24 years

My name is Carolina Contreras and I am 24 years old. I graduated from Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, USA, but spent almost all of my life in Somerville Massachusetts. I am currently living in my native country of the Dominican Republic. I am a photographer, a consultant, an activist, a writer and a lover of life. I love learning different languages because it is very important for me to communicate with others. 

I speak Spanish, English, and French and I am currently learning some Portuguese. I also took a semester of Arabic and hope to continue it in the future. I spent a month in Dubai, UAE embarking on a journey in photography. During this internship I traveled to different parts of this city and photographed all of the beautiful things that are sometimes left in the shadows of the big skyscrapers of Dubai. I love traveling because I love human contact and learning about others cultures and customs. I consider myself a global citizen. I am a fighter for human rights and my hope is that one day this world will be a place where we can all be respected.  

Xaivier Ringer -  United States-25 years

My name is Xaivier Ringer and I was born and raised in the United States and have lived in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the last two years. I am currently completing my contract as the Manager of Innovative Initiatives at a sustainable human development consulting firm, ALEPH, S.A (Agency of Latinamerican Experts in Planning H). Before I served as a junior expert on poverty and international development in ALEPH and have helped develop a toolkit for poverty reduction and sustainable development using the MDGs as a framework for the English-speaking Caribbean.

Recently I completed a mural in a low-income community in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The mural is a part of a greater project, the Innovative Initiative for Social Responsibility: Youth Leadership. Visual Art. Sustainable Development. The Initiative is part of ALEPH’s commitment to youth and community development and of my passion for mural art and the understanding that art has transformative power as it reaches the “soul” of a person and allows he/she to grow. Through mural making the youth of Profamilia’s Youth Program, who helped realize the initiative, discovered evidence of sustainable development in their own communities and created a collective vision based on these evidences. Based on the vision I designed a mural and painted it within a two month period to provide an everlasting reminder of the commitment and vision the youth posses and hope to potentiate.

I have shown service to under-served communities through various programming and community mural art. I  served as a muralist-in-residence with the Foundation for the Development and Well-being of Women and Children in San Cristobal in June 2007 to mobilize youth empowerment with low-income school children. In addition to mural arts I  have earned research and analytical skills through her work in Bank of America where I synthesized venture philanthropy opportunities to invest in within the United States. My first language is English and I also speak Spanish.

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (IV)

Rosemary Agbor Mbeng-Cameroon-21 years

Miss Rosemary Agbor Mbeng, was born on February 12^th 1989 in Buea, South West Region, Cameroon. Rosemary did her primary, secondary, and high school education in Buea where she obtained the First School Leaving ( FSLC), G.C.E Ordinary and Advanced Levels certificates respectively. While in High school, she discovered she had a passion for women’s issues as a result of women’s subordinate position in her community. As a result of her interest in women’s issues, she decided to realize her dream of improving women’s status in her community by taking an undergraduate degree program in women and gender studies/ law, double majors.

 Ms Rosemary is currently a final student at the University of Buea, double majoring in Women and Gender studies/ law. She also represented her country Cameroon in the Moremi Institute for Women’s Leadership in the year 2009 in Ghana. She is currently a volunteer in a local based NGO known as Women In Action. Her activities in this organization include sensitizing the local population on HIV/AIDS, advocating against discriminatory practices which perpetuate women’s lower status in the society such as female genital mutilation and gender based violence. 

She also provides legal counseling to victims of gender based violence.  Rosemary collaborates with the Divisional Delegation of Women’s Empowerment and the Family Limbe, and an NGO known as Associates in Development. By acting as a resource person, she supervises and coordinates projects carried out by the Delegation especially in the domain of vocational training and income generating activities amongst young girls in the Limbe municipality. She represents the youth of her community in the Buea water governance community.

 Rosemary is a member of the Junior Chamber International JCI where she occupies the position of vice president in charge of community affairs. She has participated in several conferences and seminars geared towards the advancement of youth and rural women. Rosemary intends to become a gender consultant upon completion of her studies. 

Musa Soko-Sierra Leone-25 years

As founding member of the national youth-led organization; Youth Partnership for Peace and Development, Musa is a diligent, thorough and organized change-maker who has the desire and passion to make the changes needed within the community he lives and those around him. His demonstrated commitment to the importance of research on peace building and development issues in his country, and has provided invaluable insight into Sierra Leonean governance systems. He worked patiently and enthusiastically, and is continuously eager to learn new knowledge and skills.

He has an unflagging commitment to peace promotion and human rights with specific interest to the rights of women, children, youth and disabled persons. His devotion to the rights of marginalized people is evidenced in his earlier voluntary work and at 20, he introduced the Blind and Visually Impaired in Sierra Leone to basic computer literacy via an on-screen reader known as JAWS. He is also focused on the interlocking dynamic of peace building and reconstruction for development, human security, justice and democracy.

Musa has vast knowledge in peace negotiation, facilitation and training. Today Musa is an outstanding young leader who continues to work in support of his fellow young people and the communities they live. His commitment to development and women’s work is evident in his service as Commissioner to the Women and Youth Commission of the International Development and Cooperation of NGOs (USTKIP).

Musa is actively involved in public advocacy and youth work and with an academic background in Peace, Musa is actively involved in peace-related advocacies and he is a member of the African Union Peace and Security Cluster and also a Member of the Steering Committee of the DisArm for Peace Project. With keen interest in Urbanization, he was elected as a member of Youth Advisory Board of the UN-HABITAT representing Africa. Whilst serving as Board Member, Musa worked with a number of NGOs and government institutions to promote youth issues that has to do with the daily challenges women and youth are faced with, in search of solutions. 

However Mr. Soko has a sophisticated understanding of the need for women’s empowerment and their roles in attaining the MDG as a central component of energizing his country and region.

He has enormous confidence in the powers of youth and civil society to make the necessary changes needed in the world and Sierra Leone in general. As such, Musa put special efforts into youth-led development and activism. He currently occupies key leadership positions within Sierra Leone, Africa and around the world among which to name a few; Global Call to Action Against Poverty as African Children/Youth Taskforce Member and also a Sierra Leonean Youth Representative to the African Union ECOSOCC. Musa Ansumana Soko was a member of the Expert Group Meeting in the design and Implementation of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps.

The fact that Musa as been an active portion of all these demonstrates the confidence and faith entrusted in him, Musa is interested in development cooperation to which extent he has attended meeting of the African Union-European Union Strategic Partnership Meetings. Musa was also invited by the Real Aid Network to participate at the 3rd High Leven Forum on Aid Effectiveness which also took into account review of progress on the Paris Declaration in 2005. At a point during the UN International Conference on Trade and Development XII, Musa as accredited to participate as one of the youngest youth delegates in 2008

Musa has travelled to a number of countries to participate in international meetings, conferences, training sessions and more to deliver talks and help in design of policy documents. and at the age of 20, he introduced the Blind and Visually Impaired in Sierra Leone to basic computer literacy via an on-screen reader known as JAWS. This has allowed him to have me various and renowned personalities in the UN systems and other key INGOs/NOGs, Leaders and inspiring young people across the globe.

Musa is energetic, capable with sustained concentration, and is enthusiastic about participating in discussions , trainings and debates that helps foster meaningful changes for those he serves and works with.

Habonimana Desire-Burundi-22 years

I am Habonimana  Desire from Burundi. I was born in 1988 in Murama (North of Burundi). In 2006, I obtained my A’LEVEL DIPLOMA from Mureke Junior Seminary in Modern Arts. I am currently a medical student at the Burundi State University .In addition, i am engaged in Human Health care including Sexual and Reproductive Rights, Gender equality, eradication of poverty and hunger in underprivileged communities  to rescue a big number of human lives in general and procure Youth welfare in particular as a contribution to the MDGs achievement.

Erdoo Paula Awai-Nigeria-24 years

I was born in 1986 , i am the second child in a family of 5. I come from kwande local government area of Benue State, Nigeria. I am Tiv by Tribe and Christianity (catholic)is my religion.I had my primary education at Our Lady of Perpetual Help primary school, then proceeded to the prestigious

Queen of the rosary secondary school Gboko for my secondary school, after which I gained my admission into Federal University of Agriculture makurdi to study Microbiology. I graduated successfully in May this year.
I Love interacting with People, though I am Principled. I am highly gender sensitive. I like hard working and dedicated people, but lazy, dependent and dishonest people turn me off.My hobbies include reading, cultural display, travelling, play table tennis.Currently I am a volunteer at First Step Action For Children and I own a grocery shop. 

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (III)

     Kra  Kouamé Constantin-Ivory Coast-25 years
        

         My name is Kra Kouamé Constantin and I am 25 years old, I am from Ivory Coast . I got my baccalaureat in 2006 and a two-years technical degree in legal and judicial carreer in 2008.

   

     I did a training course in Democratic Rights and Duties where I  handled many tasks like social justice. I am currently  the vice assistant  secretary of the IC-YOWLI  that was created in July , 2009.

          Christelle Sidonie Nzoynem-Cameroun-25 years

I am Christelle Sidonie Nzoynem , I am from Cameroun (Yaoundé) and I am 25. I got a BA degree in Sociology and I did a training in  management of social security. I am particularly interested in development activities and above all in gender insertion in all development areas. I am the executive assistant of an  association called Support Service for  Environment’s protection.

Ndeye Rokhaya-Senegal-22 years

My name is Ndeye Rokhaya. I was born on September 14^th  1988 in Médina Sabakh in the region of Kaolack (Senegal). I am currently  in charge of the data collection  information of a project called PRODEL based in Kaolack. I like the African Culture and I am  an available and social person. I am ready to share my knowledge with the other participants.

Médoune Cissé-Senegal

  My name is Médoune Cissé . I am a law student at the University of  Dakar. I work in collaboration with AEMO( Educative Action in Rural Areas) . Its mission is to reinsert children that have problems with the justice and to assist children in general in their social education.

   We offer them programs related to their reinsertion, their education and training. In addition, I work with the ADO center on violence and sexual exploitation that young persons ( girls and boys)  are victims of.

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (II)

Kula Aatoz Zodua -Liberia- 24 years 

I am  Kula Aatoz Zodua from Liberia.I was born on the 17th of September 1986 at the John F. Kennedy Medical Centre.As a child, I attended the Miss Simmons KinderCare; and at the age of five I was later transferred to the St. Theresa’s Convent High School where I acquired a solid learning foundation under the watchful eyes of the Convent Sisters and great school teachers.I participated in several competitions back in primary school, where I was able to win for myself several awards. Competitions like the spelling bee, Arts Contest, Essay Writing, Basketball etc.

Due to the fourteen-year crisis, my family and I were forced to leave Monrovia for Accra, where we spent a total of five years in exile, roaming around Ghana and Nigeria. Upon my return to Liberia, I didn't get a place at St. Theresa’s Convent, because classes were full and their fees were really low, that every parent  could afford it  regardless the social status.  With this, I was compelled to enroll at the B.W. Harris Episcopal High School and won a full basketball Scholarship. I obtained my High School Diploma in 2005. 

Upon completing High School, I enrolled at a Secretarial School, where I successfully graduated as an Executive Secretary.  With this, I felt motivated to continue my college education. I gained admission to the African Methodist Episcopal University in 2007, where I am presently reading Sociology and Public Administration.I like Playing basketball, reading, writing, volunteering, singing and surfing the net; but using the net and reading are what keeps me on bridge waters.  For a particular reason, I got drawn into advocacy and social work.  I am a friend to all, I am recognized by all, and I give my ears to all.   For this, I do comprehend fully the disparity among the upper, middle and lower class in a given society.  In my little effort, I tried to work in close relation with the lower and mid class and at the same time affiliate these two, most especially the formal with the upper class.  In so doing, we can all work together in rebuilding MAMA Liberia without encountering social barriers.

Additionally, I have been equipped and armed by numerous national and international training exercises that serve as motivational tools in helping me continue my good work as a Young Feminine Activist. I envision a world wherein we are all treated free and equal; a world without gun men or tormented check boarders.  I hope to incorporate more young women in same area and thereby encourage men to support our cause.


Marion Akinyi Ochieng - Kenya - 24 years

 My name is Marion Akinyi Ochieng’ 24 years. I am a Diploma Graduate in Community Development and social work. I love dancing, singing and making friends.

I am a good leader, having been in leadership positions since early childhood and have managed to get recognition from my fellow participants in activities i am involved in.

I currently work at YADEN EAST AFRICA as a programs assistant in charge of the S.H.E program. I am a mother of one.

Namumbya Justin Ntule -Uganda- 24 years

My name is Namumbya Justin Ntule.  I was born in Kampala, Uganda, on August 25th, 1986 and have lived in Uganda all my life. I graduated from Makerere University Business School this year  (January 2010) with a degree in Human Resource Management. I Currently work as a Human Resource Operations Officer for Future Options Consulting Ltd, a Human Resource Consultancy firm in Kampala and part time as HR and Cultural Consultant for Seafast Holdings, a logistics and Security Firm.

I am a very social person, I love interacting with different people especially the rural girls. I am reliable and conscientious in my dealing with individuals from all walks of life. I am a very open minded person who respects opinions from different people.I am also aware of cultural differences between, male, female, young and old, as well as Africans and beyond.


I am currently in Icon Leadership Academy and a member of movements such as the Uganda women’s movement and Girls to leaders Movement. I am able use my experience to assist young women and men in understanding the ethos of empowerment and  advocacy and mentoring and also have a passion for being a role model to young girls and Youth in the rural area where I come from.My hobbies include playing active sports such as Volley ball, participating in interactive debates, information sharing and reading inspirational literature.

Meet the YOWLI 2010 Participants (I)

Noreen Mukhwana Mutoro - Kenya - 22 years
My name is Noreen Mukhwana Mutoro and I come from Nairobi, Kenya. I am a 3^rd year student at the University of Nairobi doing Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation. I am 22 years old, vivacious and with a joie de vivre attitude. I was born on the 24^th of May 1988 and I am the 6^th born in a family of seven. 

My true passion lies in languages and nature. I enjoy learning new languages, new vocabulary and writing or reading quotes. So far, my favorite foreign language is French. I also speak Swahili which is our national language, English and a bit of my mother tongue, Luhya. Everything about nature fascinates me. 

The current project I am working on, together with my community group, involves the making of traditional baskets and all purpose bags, using eco-friendly materials and labor from the locals. This project would help to reduce the use of plastic bags in our community which have become one of the leading causes of environmental pollution. It was also provide job employment for the youth who we plan to train to make our products and last but not least, it will preserve the culture in our community as people would return to use traditional baskets like in the olden days. From our profits, we plan to set recycling bins in designated areas around the town. 

David Takawira - Zimbabwe - 25 years

I am a realist driven by facts, values and ethics as embroilment of character. I value the sanctity of life and equal opportunities in life. I am conscious of the existence, meaning, purpose, potential and destiny of humankind, people, and self. I am motivated by a self-felt, self-accepted calling to the cause of good, growth, and gain in the lives of others. Influential communication of ideas is a primary way of achieving those objectives. My perception and thinking tend to be holistic and conceptual, by seeing the big picture and moving strategically towards it.

My mission is to nurture, contribute to and initiate actions that lead to empowerment and a sense of purpose in my life and that of others. I therefore undertake to promote, inspire and partner with others in striving for development and equality in all cultures, classes, genders and ages. I am thus committed to transforming people and building the capacity of organizations for better development implementation to benefit deprived communities in Zimbabwe, Africa and ultimately the world.

I have a niche for Democracy, Governance, Leadership, Partner Engagement and Human Rights especially Economic, Social and Cultural rights. 

Eunice Kirunda Nsaire - Uganda - 24 years

As principle researcher at Uganda Development Link, Eunice Nsaire works on gender, human traficking and sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues with youth in Uganda's slums. She has worked in collaboration with some U.N. agencies as a social worker and helped launch a drug and substance abuse project targeting youth in schools. Additionally, she trains youth on HIV/AIDS and provides them with practical vocational skills and knowledge.