We are pleased to announce that Zaharah Namanda has accepted the position of Assistant Monitoring and Program Officer with Africa ELI. Zaharah is based in Uganda, where she will be working closely with Africa ELI students and partner schools. Her main responsibilities include logistical coordination for students, providing student counseling and mentoring, monitoring student behavior and performance, and liaising with students and school administration.
Zaharah has a strong background in youth development, civic engagement, business, and social advocacy. She is the founder of Women in Action Uganda, a youth-led organization that empowers women, youth, and children through education, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. She remains closely involved with that organization’s research and planning activities, fundraising, public relations, and mentoring programs. In the past, she has served as a Children’s Trainer and Mentor with the Foundation for Women Affected by Conflict, where she provided children with personal development training and health education. Notably, she instructed primary school children in menstrual health management, including providing training to both boys and girls in hand stitching reusable sanitary towels. Some of her other past experience includes leading international teams of volunteers in mentoring local entrepreneurs, mobilizing members of communities to participate in public projects, and conducting public policy research.
Zaharah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, and has completed the Rhett Entrepreneurship Training at the U.S Embassy in Kampala and Civic Leadership Training through the Young African Leadership Initiative. She is an alumna of the Young Women Leaders’ Camp, part of the Forum for Women in Democracy.
A commitment to local recruitment is a key part of Africa ELI’s vision of creating sustainable solutions in the communities we serve. The recruiting of skilled local staff is crucial to the success of nongovernmental organizations, and necessary for developing strong in-country ties. We are fortunate to be able to benefit from the talent, energy, and experience of someone such as Zaharah.
Our Mission
By providing access to education, Africa ELI prepares young women in South Sudan to become leaders in their families and communities, engage in business enterprise, counteract inequalities, improve health practices, and work toward improving society for the benefit of all citizens.
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