MEET THE TEAM
Malaika consists of a local, on-the-ground team of passionate individuals who run the school and oversee day-to-day operations. The team works with a number of international pro-bono volunteers who bring a wealth of expertise across sectors, industries, and geographies.
Board of Directors
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Noella Coursaris Musunka
Founder and CEO
Noëlla Coursaris Musunka, a Congolese/Cypriot philanthropist and international model, is the Founder & CEO of Malaika. Founded in 2007, Malaika is a grassroots nonprofit that empowers girls and their communities in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Malaika’s community-driven ecosystem centers around five pillars: a school, a community center, vocational training, an agricultural program, and clean water and sanitation services. Today, Malaika impacts thousands of lives each year, and its programs are all offered free of charge. Crucially, Malaika acts as a local, community-led model that can be replicated on a global level. A unique and fearless spokesperson, Noëlla is a voice for the power of girls’ education worldwide. Noëlla has shared her insight at a number of world-class forums spanning the World Economic Forum in Davos to the university halls of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, and MIT. She is an Ambassador for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an Advisor at Concordia, and a member of the Advisory Board of the Segal Family Foundation. She also sits on the United Nations Conscious Fashion and Lifestyle Network and the L'Oréal Fund for Women Endowment Fund Advisory Committee, and has been a three-time judge for EY’s World Entrepreneur of the Year Award. She wrote the preface for ‘Mandela: In Honor of an Extraordinary Life’, published in 2023, after receiving an award at the 100 Years of Mandela celebration in 2018.
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Alain Pakabomba
Director
Alain joined Malaika in 2008, after 14 years in the investment banking world, where he gained extensive leadership experience while maintaining a strong involvement serving in a number of local and national non-profit organizations. Born in the DRC and passionate about the power of education, Alain strongly believes that Africa must commit to improving education standards so that economic growth can be sustained. Alain brings his wealth of experience and passion to help shape Malaika’s strategic direction and structure in supporting and managing its futuregrowth. Alain works as a Managing Partner for Obsidian LLC, a specialty advisory firm he founded in 2015, which focuses on financial services in sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to that, he held executive roles in Investments and Capital Markets for a Fortune 50 company.
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Charlotte Kirby
Director
Charlotte is Head of Global Relations and External Affairs, ServiceNow, an organization that puts AI to work for people via an AI platform for business transformation that connects people, processes, data, and devices to increase productivity and maximize business outcomes. Charlotte is passionate about driving volunteerism and grant management in areas of STEM education, youth workforce development, and technology innovation.
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Christophe De Pous
Director
Born in Toulouse in 1968, he was raised in the countryside (Tarn) until moving to Paris for studies. Currently, Christophe has been living in New York City and is married with four children. He studied and lived 17 years in Japan, 5 years in the US and worked all around the Asia Pacific region, including China, South East Asia, and Australia.
ISG (Institut Superieur de Gestion) business school graduate (class of 1990). Exchange programs in Berkeley (1988) and Tokyo (1989). Joined the European Union ETP (Executive Training Program) 13 to stud Japanese Economics, Politics & Linguistics in 1993 & 1994.
Christophe joined Tory Burch in June 2023 after working nearly 8 years for Clarins, first over North America and Asia Pacific, then on a global role. Between November 2009 and June 2016 lead Gucci business first in Tokyo – Japan – then in New York – Americas as President & CEO. Prior, he was CEO of Bluebell Japan, a luxury importer and distributor in Japan.
Has been involved personally in several activities to feed homeless populations in Japan, and has been a sponsor for childrens' education in Vietnam since 1991. He had the chance to be in touch with Noella through the CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) since 2013, and since then has been a very small contributor and supporter of Malaika.
His heart remains in the South of France where he still has a family house and farm!
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Hannah Pawlby
Director
Hannah is Chief Impact Officer at Freuds, overseeing international projects linked to sustainability and development.
Hannah was a prime mover in launching the UN Sustainable Development Goals to the world in a global campaign that reached over 3 billion people in 2015.
More recently, she is the Founder of Goals House where she has worked with a number of businesses and Foundations including Google, Bloomberg, Gates Foundation, Estee Lauder, Bank of America, Reckitt, PepsiCo, HSBC, Community Jameel, Salesforce to focus their efforts on delivering against the Goals by 2030. Goals House has shown up at WEF, Cannes Lions, the UN General Assembly in NY, COP as well as Washington, Munich and Singapore for the Goals Night Out series.
Hannah has previously led campaigns on behalf of Jamie Oliver in his fight against childhood obesity and for the Mayor of London promoting the capital across international markets for #londonisopen, the 2018 anniversary of women getting the vote, during Beijing 2008 Olympics and the 2012 London Games. Hannah has worked on partnerships and key moments for Bono’s (RED), Bob Geldof’s Band Aid, the campaign on maternal mortality, UN World Food Programme and UNCCD.
Before joining freuds, Hannah worked in the Labour Government for Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP as his special advisor in DfES and the Home Office. In 2010 she worked for David Miliband on his leadership campaign. She continues to have an interest in politics.
Hannah sits on the European Board of Global Citizen and the University of Southampton.
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Sanjay Rawal
Director
Sanjay Rawal is a documentary filmmaker and human rights specialist with over 15 years experience in nearly 50 countries. His first film Food Chains, produced by Eva Longoria and narrated by Forest Whitaker, exposes the abuse of farmworkers in the United States. In addition to making films, Sanjay has started and run a number of nonprofit initiatives including the Voss Foundation, on whose board he currently sits. He has worked for a number of philanthropists, corporate leaders and entertainers in crafting solutions to pressing issues in emerging markets. Sanjay had the opportunity to work on healthcare issues facing the Democratic Republic of Congo and was privileged to accompany Khaliah Ali on her trip to the DRC to celebrate the 35th anniversary of her father Muhammad’s fight with George Foreman. Sanjay is a dedicated supporter of girls education and has been an admirer of Malaika’s work for almost a decade
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Dorothy Atkinson
Director
Dorothy is a Program Lead at Richard Attias & Associates, a communications firm that designs live experiences, influential platforms, and advisory solutions to help governments and corporations drive societal and economic change. Since joining RA&A in 2017, Dorothy has had the privilege of executing projects across North America, the Middle East & North Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe, learning from inspirational CEOs and government officials along the way. She firmly believes that bringing together people of differing backgrounds and viewpoints can foster concrete progress across sectors. Dorothy admires Malaika’s ambitious model of community transformation, especially its focus on local solutions, workforce development, and expanding access to holistic resources. She is a graduate of Harvard College, where she studied French and Francophone Studies with a secondary focus in Global Health and Health Policy.
Advisory board
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Bethany Asplundh
Advisory Board Member
Bethany is a mother of 4 boys and a devoted activist for the rights of women and girls around the world. She has been a generous supporter of V-Day for over a decade and produced and directed a recent production of “The Vagina Monologues” in Philadelphia. Through Bethany’s work in the DRC, she came to know Noella and get involved with Malaika, and she is honored to sit on the Advisory Board.
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Christopher Lawrence
Advisory Board Member
Chris Lawrence works at J.P. Morgan as a Wealth Advisor, and advises wealthy clients and families on private wealth management. Chris is based in New York, but was born and raised in Switzerland. Growing up in a country where education is accessible has made him profoundly aware how it can drive greater opportunities, and he is passionate about enabling access for all. He also prides himself on financial literacy for those who need advice.
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Corina Savvas
Advisory Board Member
Corina was born in the beautiful lakeside city of Goma, in Eastern DRC, and has an international background of Greek, Congolese and Belgian origins. She grew up in Goma and started travelling the world at the young age of twelve. She still speaks Swahili fluently and has remained close to her native country ever since. Corina has been involved with Malaika since the early stage discussions and she has witnessed Malaika’s amazing growth since then. Corina saw firsthand the progress on the ground during a visit to the School in 2013. Corina has always been very sensitive to inequality and poverty and is a strong advocate for gender equality and the right to education for all, which is why she supports Malaika's work with young girls in the poorest parts of the DRC. Corina and her husband, Hervé-Lomami, share a common passion for this project and are both involved in actively promoting Malaika across their global network.
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Eileen Walmsey
Advisory Board Member
Eileen is a Senior Program Officer at the Claims Conference and part of Malaika's advisory board. Prior to this, Eileen was the Program & Operations Manager for Malaika and has remained dedicated to the organization as she is passionate about development work that has a deep impact on communities, with quantifiable results. Eileen grew up in India, the Philippines and Brazil, leading to her passion for international affairs. She spent years working at a human rights NGO in Peru, focusing on health issues affecting women in lower income areas. She saw firsthand the obstacles women face to rise out of poverty and came to believe in the power of education as a means to breaking the cycle. Eileen has an acumen for strategic thinking, adaptability and problem solving. She speaks four languages and holds a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from McGill University.
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Hervé-Lomami Steimes
Advisory Board Member
Hervé-Lomami was born from a Congolese mother and a Belgian father and spent his formative years in Lubumbashi and Kigali. He has over fifteen years of international banking experience and is currently a director in a prestigious private bank where he recently became the lead on the Africa team. Hervé-Lomami has always had a keen interest in development topics and strongly believes in the transformative power of education. Hervé-Lomami and his spouse, Corina, have been involved with Malaika since its conception in 2007 and are active in awareness- and fund-raising for the foundation. He has visited the School in Kalebuka and is proud to be involved with an organization that is having such a positive impact in the DRC. Hervé-Lomami holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and a Master's degree in Governance and Development from the University of Antwerp.
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Marjorie Coestier
Advisory Board Member
Marjorie is the Project Manager and Digital Expert at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, in Switzerland. Through her work and throughout her career she supports and inspires school communities to create a sustainable and relevant digital culture understanding the different elements of a digital project, both computational and pedagogical. Marjorie believes that collaboration and collective intelligence are keys the success of a project. She has brought her passion for technology and pedagogy to Malaika and has had the chance to work directly with staff and students to help improve and expand our STEM program.
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James Masters
Advisory Board Member
James Masters has worked in the IT industry for over 30 years, most of which he spent at LRS, Inc., a U.S. based software firm. During his time as the company’s EMEA VP, he has grown their EMEA operation to 100 plus staff with a turnover of over $35 million. After a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo with his wife Noella, the founder of Malaika, James found a passion for the cause and decided to utilize this same professional drive to help the girls of the DRC. Since this time, he has leant his professional expertise, contacts, and copious amounts of his time to our fundraising goals.
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Jonathan Mboyo Esole
Advisory Board Member
Jonathan is a Congolese mathematician working on the geometry of string theory. Trained around the world (College Boboto, ULB, Cambridge University, Leiden University, Stanford University, Harvard Math and Harvard Physics), he is currently Professor of Mathematics at Northeastern University after being a Benjamin Peirce Fellow at Harvard, working with Fields Medalist Shing-Tung Yau. Jonathan has solved important problems in mathematical physics and won several prestigious awards (Wiener-Anspach Fellowship, Ford Fellowship, Marie-Curie Fellowship, Benjamin Peirce Fellowship, NSF research grants). Jonathan was recently named a Next Einstein Fellow for 2017-2019, an award that celebrates the best young African scientists and technologists. Jonathan is a passionate advocate for African excellence in the sciences and African women's access to education. Education in STEM is an absolute necessity to bring Africa to its full potential. We cannot do it without a special focus on our young girls and women. They are our hope and our future. They deserve the best of us, especially in the smallest villages of the Congo.
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Jonny Guardiani
Advisory Board Member
Jonny Guardiani is a London-based Italian visual artist and filmmaker. Throughout his life, he has been immersed in the arts, and today his creative practice spans photography, filmmaking, and visual storytelling. He has a particular interest in people and culture, often revealing the untold stories of his subjects. After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Drama, Art, and Music Studies at the University of Bologna, he moved to London to discover new cultures and broaden his artistic horizons.
Over the years, he has worked across the arts, culture, media, and commercial sectors, collaborating with a wide range of organizations and individuals, and his work has been exhibited and published internationally. Jonny has a particular interest in people and culture, and his work often brings to light the untold stories of its subjects. Through years of working closely with Malaika, he has seen firsthand the impact that education and opportunity can have on people's lives. Jonny believes that everyone has a responsibility to give back and that no one should be left behind because of where they are born or the circumstances they grow up in. He is proud to contribute his creative skills to amplifying the stories, achievements, and voices of the Malaika community.
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Josuel Musambaghani
Advisory Board Member
Josuel Musambaghani is a Software Engineer at Microsoft, working in the cybersecurity division. Previously, Josuel worked with Silicon Valley startups and organizations, including Code2040 and Slack. Josuel’s team at Microsoft won the 2019 and 2020 CSO50 Awards, a prize for cybersecurity projects and initiatives that demonstrate outstanding business value. Josuel serves on the Advisory board for the Microsoft Aspire Experience and is the Co-Chair of the Employee Network Africans @ Microsoft. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College, with degrees as valedictorian in both Mathematics and Computer Science.
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Karina Nagin
Advisory Board Member
Karina Nagin is a non-profit and social impact leader. For the past 15 years Karina has worked with non-profits, foundations and philanthropists to build social impact programs around the world from New York to Tanzania. Karina currently runs an assistive technology non-profit based in New York, while also managing North America’s longest running all documentary film festival in Hot Springs, AR.
Karina has lead several global health non-profits and previously worked at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) as the Head of Response & Resilience. At CGI Karina consulted corporate, philanthropic and government leaders on issues of disaster response and post-conflict reconstruction around the world. While at CGI Karina launched the Democratic Republic of Congo Action Network, facilitating cross-sector partnerships and highlighting the opportunities in the region. Karina became familiar with Malaika’s work in 2011 and in 2014 she visited the school in Kalebuka and saw first hand the impact the Foundation has on each student, as well as their families and communities. Karina believes with her whole heart that Malaika is educating the next generation of leaders, and therefore the future of the country is bright! Karina hails from Arkansas, lives in Brooklyn and is always trying to return to the DRC!
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Laura Kupe
Advisory Board Member
Laura Kupe is a national security professional and attorney, most recently having served at the U.S. Department of Defense. She is a former Obama presidential appointee and has domestic and foreign policy expertise in think tanks and the U.S. federal government, including the RAND Corporation, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House. Laura was born in Germany to Congolese parents and was raised in Luxembourg before moving to the United States. She speaks German, French, and Luxembourgish, in addition to English, and is a self-proclaimed “Afropean-American.” Laura is also a co-founder of the Congolese Diaspora Impact Summit, which has hosted summits in the United States focused on technology, social impact, and entrepreneurship in the DRC since 2019. Laura graduated with a BA from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. She is a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was recognized on The Root’s List of 100 Influential African Americans in 2021 for her contributions to U.S. national security.
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François Latouche
Advisory Board Member
Francois has been the vice-principal of Lycée Français de Zurich since 2019. Prior to this role, Francois was a teacher, teacher instructor, and the directory of a primary school. He is passionate about his work, particularly, teaching, pedagogy, and ensuring the progress of his students. After living in Vienna and Paris, Francois settled in Zurich in 2015 where he lives with his wife and three children.
“I wish to participate in the Advisory Board of Malaika to continue to accompany the school's pursuit for educational excellence at a higher level. I am very happy to belong to this great family which offers a huge opportunity for these young girls to grow up through education."
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Philippe Loral
Advisory Board Member
Philippe is an early supporter and active contributor to the Malaika effort since its conception. He has spent the largest part of his career in senior executive positions at a Belgian commercial bank, accumulating more than tree decades of experience in corporate finance. He has been leading the bank’s corporate division in Belgium and established new offices for the institution in New York and Hong Kong. Having also been active in several other financial centers around the world, he has acquired a keen sense of expertise for building international businesses. His experience has been very useful for Malaika’s constitution and expansion. Philippe is a Master of Science at the Antwerp campus of the K.U.Leuven University (Belgium) with a degree in commercial and financial engineering.
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Purva Panday Cullman
Advisory Board Member
Purva is Senior Programs Director at V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls where she has helped to develop and grow programs, global spotlight campaigns and safe house networks as well as fundraise and establish partnerships including launching and managing V-Day’s DRC campaign and establishing City of Joy, a leadership center for survivors of sexual violence in South Kivu, DRC. Purva's career has been devoted to social justice. She was a Program Officer for Safety and Youth at Ms. Foundation for Women, where she worked on a feminist movement-building project, convened the Gender, Youth & Safety symposium, and oversaw grant-making in the safety and youth areas. She also served as the Acting Executive Director of Lower Eastside Girls Club. As the Director of Community Education, Outreach & Advocacy at Girls Inc. of NYC, she ran anti-violence programs for girls in East Harlem, trained NYC teachers and youth workers on best practices for girls programing and convened a symposium on sexual harassment in public schools at Barnard. In 2018, Barnard College awarded her with The Millicent Carey McIntosh Award for Feminism.
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Rosie Rafferty
Advisory Board Member
Rosie Rafferty is a strategic communication consultant currently advising a range of multi-nationals on their Communication, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility strategies. She is an active board member at Mafisa, a not-for-profit in Zambia focused on building livelihoods and reducing poverty. She also serves on the boards of the Nick Jenkins and iAfrica Foundations.
Rosie has 30 years experience in strategic communication, crisis management and corporate social responsibility working in South America, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal and Egypt. She worked as Vice President Communications for a FTSE100 company and as a founding partner in an award winning crisis and reputation consultancy. Rosie has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Edinburgh University and a post-graduate degree in journalism from Cardiff University.
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Viviane Paxinos
Description goes here
STAFF
Malaika’s staff lies at the heart of everything we do. We proudly employ a 100% local, Congolese team on the ground — educators, administrators, social workers, and support staff who understand the community, culture, and lived realities of the girls and families we serve. Their deep-rooted knowledge ensures that our programs are truly impactful.
School staff
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Sarah Kalumba
Country Manager
Sarah Kalumba is the country manager for Malaika. She is a skilled and passionate leader who believes that every girl has the right to achieve her dreams and get an education. Sarah was born in the DRC and traveled throughout Africa while studying to become a veterinarian, finally receiving her license at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Lubumbashi. She began leading the Malaika Community Center as a center manager in 2014. The Malaika team saw her potential and a year later, she was promoted to country manager and has been a major part of Malaika’s growth. Having been raised by a single mother as well as being a woman and mother of four, Sarah knows firsthand how hard life can be for those less fortunate and in particular, for women and girls. To Sarah, Malaika represents a refuge for all those who seek to overcome the various barriers in life that stem from a lack of education and self-esteem. In her role, Sarah uses her knowledge and life experiences to help empower a community in the DRC. She leads an amazing team of both staff and volunteers, regularly deals with Malaika’s local and international donors, and oversees all of Malaika’s programs on the ground.
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Donat Tshisuaka Mukendi
IT Teacher
Donat Tshisuaka Mukendi has a bachelor's degree in computer network and telecommunications. He is an IT teacher at Malaika School and Community Center and has a true passion for technologies. Donat truly enjoys teaching the girls about new technologies as they are always eager and interested to learn.
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Sylvain Koj Tshikut
Headmaster
Sylvain Koj Tshikut is Headmaster at the Malaika School. He was born in Kasaji and studied Computer Science at the Superior Institute of Statistics (ISS) in Lubumbashi. Sylvain has a passion for youth and music, and he plays many musical instruments (piano, keyboards, drums, etc.). He also has experience in choir directing and has managed a youth movement called Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade. In 2003, Sylvain and his family were living in Bunia but fled to Aru (a Congolese border territory of Uganda) to take refuge from the war. The death of his dear friends during the massacre in Bunia is a sad memory that he will carry with him always. Knowing personally the effects of war, he is passionate about investing in the field of education to help the Congolese youth. He hopes to use his life experiences and education to make a positive difference in the lives of the girls at the Malaika School. He counts the day that he received the call from Malaika announcing that he had successfully passed the test at the School as one of the happiest in his life.n goes here
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Natacha M. Bayindo
School Administrator
Natasha Mosakwa Bayindo is the administrative assistant at the school. She enjoys working at Malaika as it is a unique school in the DRC where she is able to share some of her knowledge with the students, developing the educated girls of the future. Natacha is married with three children and is very thankful to Malaika and all of our supporters helping to make change in Kalebuka
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Adrien Ngoy
Mathematics Teacher
Adrien Ngoy is a mathematics teacher at the Malaika School. He studied at the Higher Institute of Statistics in Lubumbashi and holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics and statistics. Since studying, he has been teaching mathematics, statistics, physics, scientific drawing and geometry for over 25 years. Sports and culture are his favorite recreational activities.
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Adrille Kibombe Kisula
Nurse
Adrille Kibombe Kisula is the nurse at Malaika. She obtained her nursing diploma in 2015 at the ITM ONESS. Outside of work, Adrille enjoys music.
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Alain Mbayo Kadiata
French Teacher
Mbayo Kadiata Alain teaches French at the Malaika school. He is originally from Sampuse and completed his studies at the Superior Pedagogical Institute (ISP) in Lubumbashi, earning a degree in French and African languages. Outside of teaching, Alain loves to practice sports, especially football.
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Augustin M. Kabanga Banga
Grade 3 Teacher
Augustin applies his passion for education to his position working with Malaika’s students. He was born in as the third in a family of nine children. Outside of school, Augustin loves football.
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Bavon Musabila Ngeleka
Year 6 Teacher, Primary
Bavon Musabila Ngeleka teaches 6th primary at Malaika and also serves as vice director of education at both the Malaika School and the Malaika Community Center. This role allows him to work with Sylvain and Therese to oversee all aspects of education and student life at Malaika. With 21 years of teaching experience, his goal is to bring to Malaika his educational contributions and also help the girls receive primary health care.
Bavon has a degree in pedagogy and a degree in teaching, administration and nursing care (E.A.S.I.). His favorite sport is soccer.
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Benjamin Masengo Ilunga
French Teacher
Masengo Ilunga Benjamin is a French teacher at the Malaika School. After obtaining a state diploma in general education, he worked in primary education for 15 years. He then pursued higher education at the Lubumbashi Pedagogical Institute where he obtained his bachelor's degree with distinction in French and African languages in 2020.
Masengo Ilunga Benjamin works directly with youth on their development through a focus on culture, art and literature.
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Mr. Benjamin Yumba
Art Teacher
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Charlotte Sembe
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Charlotte Machozi is a kindergarten assistant teacher at the Malaika School. She is passionate about the importance of understanding children in order to help them achieve, and plays an important role in a girl’s very first steps through Malaika’s doors.
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Daniel Nkulu
Assistant Sports Teacher
Daniel Nkulu studied physical education and sport management at ISP and obtained a bachelor's degree. He is the assistant coach of the women's football team of DRC. He likes teaching at Malaika because he wants to help girls in sport by sharing his knowledge and experience. As a hobby he prefers all types of sports except extreme sports. He is the 6th in a family of seven siblings.
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Eric Kabamba
Year 4 Teacher, Primary
Eric Kabamba Mutombo is the Year Four primary teacher at Malaika. He has a state degree in general education and has been with Malaika since 2014. For the moment Eric lives in Lubumbashi, and apart from teaching, he enjoys playing football and reading.
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Eugenie Mwape
Primary School Teacher, Grade 2
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Gloire Malaji
IT Teacher
Gloire Malaji is an IT Assistant at the Malaika School. He obtained his bachelor's degree in computer science at the Lubumbashi Higher Institute in 2020. In addition to higher education, he has undertaken several training courses in business logistics, analytics, and security and risk. He has a strong interest in research.
Gloire Malaji is a strong advocate for education in young people and has a particular focus on initiatives aimed at promoting skills. He is also passionate about hiking and enjoys playing basketball in his free time.
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Godée
Tennis Coach
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Hubert Mufot Chimwang
History and Social Sciences Teacher
Hubert Mufot Chimwang is a history and social sciences teacher at the Malaika School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and social sciences and is passionate about empowering the next generation of young women at the local, national, and international levels.
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Jacques Kubadilwa
Science, Geography, and History Teacher
Jacques Kubadilwa is the science, geography, and history teacher. He received a degree in applied pedagogy with an emphasis on geography and environmental management from ISP in Lubumbashi. Jacques has a passion for nature, loves to play volleyball and enjoys watching cartoons with his two children.
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Jean de Dieu Musenge
Math Teacher
Jean is the math teacher at the Malaika school. Jean received his degree in pedagogy for the humanities at Bukwashi Institute in Mufunga Sampwe. Jean taught primary school for several years before continuing his studies at Superior Pedagogical Institute (ISP) in Lubumbashi where he received his diploma in mathematics.
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Mr. John Masengo
English Teacher
John Masengo brings nearly five years of teaching experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Teacher Training College of Lubumbashi to his position of English Teacher at Malaika. He lives in Lubumbashi with his wife. In his free time, he likes singing, and his favorite food is vegetables.
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Judith Kilonga N’tensya
Math Teacher
Judith Kilonga N'tensya comes from a large family and received a license in applied mathematics at university. She brings a strong background in mathematics to Malaika, where she teaches grades 7 and 8. She comes on board hoping to share her knowledge, acquired throughout her studies and life, and to instill in the students the value of a woman in society. Judith is happy to be a part of Malaika she strongly aligns with our prioritizing of the education of our children.
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Maguy Safi Makanda
Physical Education Teacher
Maguy Makanda is a physical education teacher at the Malaika School. She studied physical education & sport management at ISP, specialising in physical activities and sport techniques. She holds the title of DRC Champion in Athleticism for 2008, 2011 and 2013. After being in Korea for the World Cup, Maguy Makanda pursued a career in football, working in a number of different positions. She has been a coach for various female teams, including the female Mazembe team and the Congolese female football team. With Malaika’s focus on sport, Maguy is well placed to bring her expertise and passion for the sport to the school. She is using her knowledge to empower girls, especially through football, and helping them join teams at both the national and international level.
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Moise Lumbala
Year 5 Teacher
Moise Lumbala Nguz is the year five primary teacher. Moise received his degree in applied demography and has a diverse background, previously working in the Congolese control office, at Trust Merchants Bank, and as a primary school teacher. He actively works against discrimination and believes working together to achieve your goals is vital. Moise enjoys working at the Malaika School to provide a quality education to the girls, and in his free time likes to laugh and have fun.
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Nissi Nsenga Mukadi
IT Teacher
Nissi Msenga Mukadi is a teacher and researcher in computer science at Malaika. He has a humanitarian diploma in general electronics and an undergraduate degree from the University of Lubumbashi in Languages and Business. He is further expanding his knowledge on a program studying computer science at the Higher Institute of Arts and Crafts (ISTAM). Nissi is passionate about music and has trained as a vocal arranger and instrumentalist. Nissi joined the team at Malaika because of his passion for teaching and seeing the students at Malaika learn and progress.
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Odette Tshilemb
Year 1 Teacher
Odette Tshilemb A Mwez is the Year 1 Primary Teacher. She has has a strong background in teaching and her ambition is to provide the students at the Malaika School with the tools they need to reach their potential and instill them with the confidence to become leaders, as they are the ones who will lead the DRC tomorrow. Odette is a mother of seven children and she enjoys CAC sports.
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Monsieur Pierre Moma
French teacher
Pierre Moma is a French teacher at the Malaika School, with a focus on intermediate and higher levels. He is passionate about research, reading and writing. Outside of teaching, sports and theater are his favorite recreational activities.French Teacher
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Rebecca Mbayo
Special Projects Advisor & Teacher
Rebecca, who has been with Malaika since 2013, has a degree in English and African Cultures from the Higher Educational Institute of Lubumbashi. Her love for education was inspired by her natural love for children, whom she wants to see happy and healthy, and by her parents. She loves working as the special projects advisor and English teacher at Malaika because it gives her the opportunity to share her knowledge and have a positive impact on the future and the well-being of the girls. Her difficult youth taught her a lot, and with help along the way from God and good coaches she decided she would give back to people in trouble. Along with teaching, Rebecca is interested in projects addressing social justice, violence against women and children, and women’s empowerment.
She has put her passions into action most recently by serving as a translator and advocate for Malaika’s students during their first webinar series with a global audience. She eloquently and thoroughly explained the problems facing her students in general but specifically during the time of lockdown to a hugely positive response. In her free time, Rebecca enjoys reading, walking and being in the company of children.
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Rigobert Kisontwe
Educational Consultant
Rigobert is married and a father. He has a state diploma in general pedagogy and a bachelor degree in work psychology and teaching assistant studies from the University of Lubumbashi. He has been teaching for 21 years.
In collaboration with his 2 colleagues, he wrote 2 manuals entitled “The general psychology and child and adolescent psychology courses” for students who study pedagogy at secondary school. His choice for Malaika is based on the fact that it has respected the right to education by making it free for girls from the Kalebuka community to make them independent in spite of the poverty they face. So, he wanted to support the initiative by providing quality education to produce change makers for the Kalebuka community. In his free time he likes to play football.
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Sébastien Samudinda Ngwej
Science Teacher
Sébastien Samudinda Ngwej, a biology, physics, chemistry, botany and zoology teacher, comes to Malaika with 11 years of teaching experience. He sees his work at Malaika school as a challenge for the future, in which his hard work and honesty will help train his students in science to give them useful skills for the world of the future. Sébastien believes this will add to an already existing climate of loyalty and hard work.
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Therese Mabaka Anjelani
Kindergarten Teacher
Madame Thérèse Mabaka Anjelani is a kindergarten teacher at Malaika and has been for the past 12 years. With a strong passion to see the students of Malaika reach their full potential, she supports the day-to-day running of the school as vice director of education and serves as school counselor, where she advises the girls in matters concerning their sexual health, hygiene and education.
Her role also extends to the wider community as she supervises community center mothers and provides them with health education and general life skills including hygiene, housekeeping, laundry and family planning. She imparts a great deal of knowledge, helping them to take care of themselves and their families through skills such as soap making, cutting and sewing, food preparation, etc.
Thérèse has a strong vision to see the girls of Malaika’s school become leaders in their communities. She believes that the community will be transformed through the girls’ education and looks forward to seeing the first class of students at Malaika, who enrolled 12 years ago, receive their state diplomas next year and progress on to further education. Thérèse has a degree in French and African languages and is a wife and mother, with several grandchildren too!
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Valery Kitente
Music Teacher
Community Center Staff
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Smith Kayembe
Special Project Lead
Kamwabu Kayembe Smith is an English teacher at the Malaika Community Center. Prior to Malaika, Smith was an interpreter as well as a teacher of English, African Sociology, and Esthetics. He has his state diploma in Literature and graduated university with a degree in English and African Culture (Applied Pedagogy). Smith was motivated to join the Malaika staff due to his desire to help young people and after learning about Malaika’s work to educate girls and support the community. Given his love for football, Smith is happy to be teaching at the center, where football is an everyday activity!
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Alain Bukasa
Welding Teacher
Alain Lukusa is a teacher in welding at the Community Center.
Alain completed his primary studies at the UHURU school in Likasi from 1989 to 1996, obtaining a certificate in 1996. He then completed his secondary studies, obtaining a state diploma in general mechanics at the NYWELE school from 1996 to 2003. For university studies, Alain preferred to continue with engineering studies, so he did electromechanics from 2003 to 2011, which resulted in an industrial engineering diploma in electromechanics. After university, he embarked on professional training for young people in weldinge. Beyond technical training, he is a youth supervisor in music.
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Chabrey Ngeleka
Art Teacher
Chabrey Ngeleka is an art teacher at the Community Center. His primary school studies were undertaken at the E.P.2 KIWELE school, and in 2007 he started secondary school at the Njanja Institute, before enrolling at the Institute of Fine Arts of Lubumbashi in 2009. He found himself teaching in an English school, Saint Stephen's, and since 2017 he began the career of a painter and art teacher.
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Clancy Mudingay
Mechanical Teacher
Clancy Mudingay is a mechanics teacher at the Community Center. Having completed his technical and industrial studies at the Salama Technical Institute and receiving a diploma in mechanics, he continued his university studies at the Technical Institute of Lubumbashi.
Beyond technical studies, he is a youth supervisor in the movement ‘The boys and girls brigade’ and is motivated by entrepreneurship and youth leadership.
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Divina Kalenga
Teacher and Coach
Kalenga Divina is a teacher at the Community Center. She began attending classes at The Community Center shortly after the center opened in 2013 and was determined to play football despite being the only girl on the pitch at the time. Divina kept studying, playing, and improving so Malaika invested in her future by paying for her to go back to school. She now has a degree and uses her education and skills to teach and coach others. The girls at the center recognize her determination and look up to her as a role model.
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Eddy Mwenze
Electrical Teacher
Eddy Mwenze is an electrics teacher at the Community Center. He undertook his primary studies at the Roc School Complex, where he obtained the primary school leaving certificate, before completing his humanitarian studies at the Sommité Technical Institute, where he obtained his diploma in general electrics. He then trained in industrial electrics before starting university at the Lubumbashi Higher Institute of Techniques in industrial electricity and finishing at the Higher Institute of Applied Techniques in Industrial Electricity (L2) in 2019.
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Flavie Lusuka
Assistant Teacher
Flavie Kaingwa is an assistant teacher at the Community Center.
Upon finishing her primary studies in 1982 and receiving her state diploma in general pedagogy in 1993, Flavie Kaingwa started training at the Malaika Community Center in 2015, where she undertook training in cutting and sewing, entrepreneurship,and family planning.
Today she is an assistant teacher in sewing in the preparatory class.
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Fulgence Kilaka Bwalya
Carpentry Teacher
Fulgence Kilaka Bwalya is a carpentry teacher at the Community Center. After receiving his primary school certificate and spending two years in humanities, he completed a four-year training in carpentry. After this, he worked at KCC in Kolwezi as an intern for three months and then at a technical training center (Solvay).
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Genevieve Kindele Kalenga
Teacher
Kindele Kalenga Genevieve is a teacher at the Community Center. Genevieve joined Malaika after teaching at a primary school. She loves music and even sings in a choir, while her favorite sport is football. Genevieve chose Malaika because of our commitment to girls and women. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to help the boys and girls of her community grow and become responsible adults.
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Gerard Umba wa Umba
Coach
Gerard Umba wa Umba has long wanted to work at an organization such as Malaika. Working with Malaika is one of his dreams, which will allow him to bring his contributions, knowledge and experience to young people who already have talents but need a coach. He believes he can support Malaika’s vision through developing good education and sport while also deepening his professional experience. As a young coach, Gerard would like to take advantage of the training organized within Malaika, which will allow him to go far, in order to contribute to the development of his community.
He was born in Lubumbashi, is married to Esther Mwanza and is a father two three children. Before joining Malaika, initially at the Community Center, Gerard worked at C.S. Les Rejetons. He studied E.P Maongezo primary school, attended secondary school at the Madibisho Institute and obtained a state diploma in general pedagogy. He is Christian and a fan of gospel music and loves black and white.
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Ghislaine Kujirabwinja
Catering Teacher
Ghislaine Kujirabwinja works in catering at the Community Center. Following her primary school certificate and state diploma in general pedagogy, she continued an accelerated training school program in nutrition, catering, counseling, community health, home economics, and culinary art for three years at AMACEM.
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Hyacinthe Kaseya
Electrical Teacher
Hyacinthe Kaseya is an electrics teacher at the Community Center. He completed his primary studies at the IMARA college before going on to the St Boniface college (KITUMAINI). He then completed his technical studies in general electrics, receiving his state diploma, before continuing with university studies at the Higher School of Industrial Engineers (ESI) until 2019.
He completed entrepreneurship training, receiving a one-year work contract with a company, and in 2021 became a trainer in building and industrial electrics before joining Malaika.
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Joëlle Kalobe Ngolwa
Assistant Teacher
Joëlle Kalobe Ngolwa brings former experience to her position as an assistant teacher at the Community Center. She was the only one of five children in her family to go to university, where she received a state diploma in general pedagogy at the Kamweneja Institute. She was born in Lubumbashi and has a daughter named Schiphra with her husband Idriss. In addition to her work as a teacher, Joëlle loves practicing football and music.
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Jonathan Ilunga
Mechanical Teacher
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Marcel Kitoko
Plumbing Teacher
Marcel Kitoko is a plumbing teacher at the Community Center. He obtained his primary school certificate in 2008-2009 in a Catholic school, IDAYA Ⅰ, before obtaining his state diploma from 2015-2016 in industrial electronics at the Filtisaf (EPAF). In 2015, he began his academic studies and obtained his bachelor's degree in civil engineering at the polytechnic facultyUnilu from 2022-2023. Saved
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Patricia Banguna Kazadi
Housekeeping Teacher
Patricia Banguna Kazadi is a housekeeping teacher at the Community Center. She studied human resources management and has undertaken several training courses in human rights, child protection, andragogy, first aid, decoration, and craft printing.
Passionate about the cause of vulnerable children, she campaigns for their wellbeing, particularly infants in prisons.
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Russel Kisimba
Volunteer Coach
Russel came to the Community Centre 11 years ago. He was initially attracted by the football program, then he studied and got trained in photography and coaching young talent in football.
Apart from football and photography, Russel is a coach for young talents. He is one of the beneficiaries of Malaika’s New Beginnings program, thanks to which he has a state diploma in pedagogy and he is now a heavy engine mechanical student.
He likes Malaika because the foundation takes care of him.
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Sonya Shannon
Program Design Advisor
Sonya is a humanitarian, social entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment, youth and community development in Africa. With over 10 years of experience working in the field of international development, she has contributed to causes centered on strengthening local communities. In addition to development initiatives, Sonya has worked in the area of refugee rights in Africa as a legal advisor crafting cases for asylum for clients seeking resettlement. A supporter of localization, power sharing and creating locally-driven wealth in emerging markets, she’s currently committed to helping the poor to profit through access to markets for smallholder farmers in Africa and premium product development. A deep believer in the power of education and a lifetime learner, Sonya has a BA in international relations from Wesleyan College and a MA in conflict resolution from Nova Southeastern. She is also a certified coach and has volunteered her time and services in support of clients in Africa. Giving back through mentoring, volunteering and project support is a large part of her work. She is deeply committed to the development of Congo and Africa and joined Malaika in 2010. Sonya was fortunate to attend the inauguration of the Kalebuka Football for Hope Center where she represented Malaika as the inaugural center manager at the center's opening. Since joining the team, she has worked to support the mission by conceptualizing impactful programs on program design, development and implementation. More than a decade later, she remains an avid supporter of Malaika and the community of Kalebuka.
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Strong Heritier Kayembe
Coach
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Violaine Muswamba Ilunga
Sewing Teacher
Violaine Muswamba Ilunga is a sewing teacher at the Community Center.Following her primary and secondary studies, she studied sewing at WEMA high school, where she obtained her state diploma. She then went on to her university studies at ISTAM in the department of art and crafts. Outside of teaching, she likes sports, specifically football and basketball.
International Support
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Adriana Henriquez
Chief Financial Officer
Adriana joined Malaika as CFO during its inception in 2007. She oversees all aspects of the foundation's finances, including budgets, audits, preparation of financial statements and reporting to Malaika's board of directors and the public. Adriana brings to the foundation over 20 years of management experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on developing policies and procedures to improve revenue and performance.
A strong advocate of STEM education for girls, she graduated with a Masters of Public Administration from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College and with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. She sits on the Board of Directors at Concordia.
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Amy Marshall
Program assistant
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Anya Herzberg
Program Development & Communications Intern
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Celeste de Pous
Program assistant
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Emily Bove
Senior Strategist
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Esti Clayton
Grants Manager
Estelle, known as Esti for short, joined the Malaika team in 2023 as our grants manager. She is responsible for our institutional fundraising and monitoring and evaluation systems. Esti graduated from University College London with a Master’s in Human Rights, with a particular focus on conflict tactics and the relationship between gender-based violence during war and the use of child soldiers. Esti also holds an English Literature BA from King's College London. Since leaving university, Esti has worked within British politics and on the development teams of various NGOs, always working with a focus on the right of women and girls to access quality healthcare and education, and to be free from violence.
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Isla Pearson
Communications Manager
Isla Pearson is Malaika’s Digital Marketing Manager. She was born and raised in The Netherlands and has spent the last five years living in London. At university, Isla specialised in Middle Eastern and North African studies, where she spent time in Morocco researching the link between social media and female empowerment. She believes social media can be used as a tool for women to create valuable connections, access information and self-educate, a sentiment she enjoys passing on to the girls at Malaika! Isla visited Malaika in 2022 and was inspired by the people she met in the local community and the staff team. Her passion to support Malaika in achieving their mission was ignited. Together with the local team and a network of talented creatives, she is responsible for sharing the wealth of uplifting stories coming straight from the community through our social media, website and newsletters.
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Louise Pineau
Program Assistant
Louise is a program assistant at Malaika. She is French native and moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 14. She studied Math, Business and Spanish at A levels. Louise has now been accepted in some of the most prestigious universities to specialise in Business Management where she will join this September. She always loves helping people and sharing her knowledges, and as a young woman she truly believes in education, so she feels blessed to work with Malaika.
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Marta Reed
Program Assistant
Marta Reed is a Program Assistant with Malaika. She was born in Gdansk, Poland and received her degree in Management and Marketing from the University of Gdansk. Marta went on to obtain a Master’s Degree in Human Resources before moving to the United Kingdom. Marta paused her formal career to work as a full-time mother for several years, believing in the importance of teaching her children the true value of life. She joined Malaika to fulfill her dream of helping others. Marta ensures Noella and the entire Malaika team are equipped with the necessary resources and tools to succeed and achieve the greatest impact possible.
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Salima Etoka
Higher Education & Special Projects Advisor
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Sonya Shannon
Program Design Advisor
Sonya is a humanitarian, social entrepreneur and advocate for women's empowerment, youth and community development in Africa. With over 10 years of experience working in the field of international development, she has contributed to causes centered on strengthening local communities. In addition to development initiatives, Sonya has worked in the area of refugee rights in Africa as a legal advisor crafting cases for asylum for clients seeking resettlement. A supporter of localization, power sharing and creating locally-driven wealth in emerging markets, she’s currently committed to helping the poor to profit through access to markets for smallholder farmers in Africa and premium product development. A deep believer in the power of education and a lifetime learner, Sonya has a BA in international relations from Wesleyan College and a MA in conflict resolution from Nova Southeastern. She is also a certified coach and has volunteered her time and services in support of clients in Africa. Giving back through mentoring, volunteering and project support is a large part of her work. She is deeply committed to the development of Congo and Africa and joined Malaika in 2010. Sonya was fortunate to attend the inauguration of the Kalebuka Football for Hope Center where she represented Malaika as the inaugural center manager at the center's opening. Since joining the team, she has worked to support the mission by conceptualizing impactful programs on program design, development and implementation. More than a decade later, she remains an avid supporter of Malaika and the community of Kalebuka.