Africa Education and Leadership Initiative (Africa ELI) is a diverse community of professionals and volunteers united by the belief that education transforms lives. Drawing on expertise in academia, administration, economics, fundraising, entrepreneurialism, mental health, and advocacy, we work together to expand opportunities for young people, especially girls. We believe that when youth are empowered with education, they rise beyond barriers to strengthen their families, uplift their communities, and contribute as global citizens.
Zaharah Namanda is a tenacious advocate for girls’ education and a dedicated researcher with a focus on refugee education, teacher professional development, and wellbeing. As Africa ELI’s leader, she collaborates with local and international partners to scale impactful programs. Recognized among Uganda’s “40 Young Women Under 40” for her contributions to education transformation, Zaharah is also a Commonwealth Scholar and Mandela Washington Fellow. She brings thoughtful leadership, innovative programming, and mentorship that drive meaningful change across communities. Connect with Zaharah on LinkedIn to learn more.
Sajja Simon serves as Africa ELI’s Administration and Operations Officer, bringing excellent analytical, statistical, and leadership skills to the finance and administration unit. He ensures programs are implemented effectively and deliver meaningful impact, while supporting accounting, procurement, logistics, and field operations. A graduate of Kyambogo University with a degree in Economics and Statistics, Simon demonstrates a deep sense of duty and loyalty in serving under-resourced families, students, and communities. He also mentors beneficiaries in literacy activities and provides guidance to boys in the program. Connect with Simon on LinkedIn to learn more.
Nabiryo Joan is a dedicated teacher with a deep passion for supporting under-resourced children. At Africa ELI, she connects the organization with partners who share aligned missions, fostering collaborative impact both locally and internationally. Joan also serves as a literacy mentor and provides cross-departmental support, ensuring programs run effectively. Recognized as a Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Fellow and International Youth Fellow, she brings strong team spirit, storytelling inspiration, and self-motivation to her work. Connect with Joan on LinkedIn to learn more.
Nawangi Viola is a devoted teacher and the lead for Africa ELI’s education program. She coordinates and facilitates key initiatives, including literacy and scholarship programs, while serving as a vital liaison between partner schools, beneficiaries, and the Africa ELI office. Viola drives new collaborations, supports monitoring and evaluation, and mentors scholars to ensure both their academic success and mental wellbeing. In 2024, she was honored with the Young African Initiative (YALI) fellowship for her outstanding mentorship of girls. Connect with Viola on LinkedIn to learn more
Storytelling is at the heart of Namulondo Leah’s work. As Africa ELI’s communications lead, she transforms organizational impact into inspiring literature and ensures that platforms like social media connect meaningfully with donors, partners, and communities. Leah spearheads the Afri-Voice Magazine, capturing authentic voices of teachers, parents, and students on education, health, and wellbeing. With a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Kiswahili from Makerere University, she combines strong communication skills with mentorship, guiding young people and fostering parent-student engagement. Follow Leah on LinkedIn to explore her journey.
Nalutaaya Norah is an experienced secondary school teacher and student counselor with a strong commitment to children’s wellbeing. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Makerere University, Uganda. Norah is a long-serving volunteer member of the Board of Directors, where she has contributed with exceptional dedication and passion. She actively supports program implementation, fundraising efforts, and the overall growth of the Initiative. In addition, Norah serves as a facilitator of the Wellbeing Program implemented in partnership with the University of California, San Diego. Connect with Norah on LinkedIn to learn more.
Wendy Cheung is a Board Member and supports adolescent empowerment programs with Africa ELI. She’s a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Education Studies at the University of California, San Diego, and a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the Center on Gender Equity and Health. She holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley in French and Peace and Conflict Studies, with a concentration in Human Rights. She is a first-generation high school graduate and the proud daughter of rural Chinese immigrants. Her research focuses on education and community-centered interventions to address public health disparities and gender inequalities. Wendy has fought for gender equity with women’s rights organizations and domestic violence shelters in Senegal, Nigeria, Niger, Thailand, and the United States. Before her doctoral journey at UC San Diego, she taught high school English, French, and Interventional Reading in New Orleans and Atlanta public schools.Â
Anita Henderlight connects social entrepreneurs, community groups, faith-based organizations, educators, government leaders, and multinational teams worldwide to advance education and gender equality. An original member of the New Sudan Education Initiative (NESEI), founded in 2006 by South Sudanese and their allies, she guided its transformation into the Africa Education and Leadership Initiative (Africa ELI). From 2010 to 2019, Anita served as Africa ELI’s first female executive director, leading efforts to expand access to secondary education in South Sudan for girls and refugees. Through public-private partnerships, construction projects, scholarship programs, and literacy initiatives, she helped create pathways to learning for thousands of young people. Today, Anita continues to support Africa ELI’s mission as a volunteer advisor, championing education as a foundation for equality, opportunity, and peace. Connect with Anita Henderlight on LinkedIn to learn more.
On a plane ride from East Africa to Vermont in January of 2004, a plan was conceived by Robert Lair, a faculty member at Saint Michael’s College and social entrepreneur, and Atem Deng, a former Sudanese refugee and student at the University of Vermont. After witnessing the poor living conditions and lack of education opportunities affecting Sudanese in refugee camps, they determined that the Sudanese diaspora and their American allies could create a pathway to help improve education opportunities in South Sudan. Over time, the vision grew beyond South Sudan to include Uganda and the broader East African region.
Keeping your community clean and green, one pickup at a time for a healthier tomorrow for a clean earth & clear future.
