Education

Grace Namukonde Kayamba is a graduate from the University of Zambia, the National University of Ireland-Galway and the University of Lusaka. She is 43 years old and lives in Lusaka-Zambia. Grace obtained her Bachelor of Arts with Education degree at the University of Zambia in 2005. She later did the Cambridge International Diploma in Project Management with the University of Cambridge-International Examinations in 2009. Grace went on to do further studies at the National University of Ireland-Galway where she studied Gender, Globalisation and Rights and graduated in 2013 with the Second-Class Honours Grade 1. In 2019, Grace graduated with a Master of Science degree in Project Management at the University of Lusaka. Grace joined the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in 2007 as a Program Officer-Education and has been climbing the ladder to Senior Program Officer, Training Manager, Education Manager and currently serving as a Program Manager. As a Program Manager, Grace plans, coordinates, and oversees the implementation of projects in Education and Young Women Empowerment programs. She provides technical support to the Monitoring and Evaluation team on project evaluations and research. Grace sat on the ZANEC Board as Vice Board Secretary and Gender and Equity Chairperson. Grace has over the years managed different donor contracts ensuring that projects are managed as per donor requirements. Grace represents the organization in various stakeholder high level meetings and networks with other Civil Society organizations and government ministries. Before joining CAMFED, she worked with HODI on a UNHCR Refugee Project as a SGBV/HIV/AIDS Coordinator.

Ahmed Abdullah, a 30-year-old humanitarian professional from Anbar Governorate, Iraq, holds a Master’s degree in Geophysics from Baghdad University, where he excelled as a top performer. With eight years of experience in conflict-affected settings, Ahmed specializes in strategic design and relationship management. Currently serving as a Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Coordinator at NRC, Ahmed oversees MEL plans for multiple projects, designs data collection tools, and conducts capacity-building workshops. Prior roles include Monitoring & Evaluation Officer and Protection Monitoring and Capacity Building Officer, where he demonstrated his expertise in ensuring data accuracy and supporting vulnerable  populations. Ahmed is fluent in Arabic, proficient in English, and possesses excellent coordination, communication, and leadership skills. Committed to professional development, he has undergone training in Safe Inclusive Programming and Hostile Environment Awareness. Known for his ability to work under stress and maintain confidentiality, Ahmed is dedicated to making impactful contributions to humanitarian efforts.

Karim Vandi Coker is a 31-year-old sociology graduate from Njala University in Sierra Leone. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Humanitarian Practice at the University of Manchester UK. Karim works as a Health Promoter Supervisor for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Belgium and has over 5 years of experience in Health Promotion, Behavior Change Communication, Child Protection, and Community-based Programming as well as Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. He has worked with Doctors Without Borders (MSF OCA & OCB) and Action Aid International in various capacities, managing Community Health initiatives and educational programs with diverse teams. Karim is an experienced Community Health Advocate with a proven track record in promoting people-centred healthcare and managing integrated community case management, risk communication, and access to healthcare for sexual violence survivors. He is an asset to the MSF-OCB Kenema Hospital Project, where he facilitates community acceptance and participation in health service delivery in collaboration with Community health workers, voluntary blood donors, traditional birth attendants, traditional healers and health development committees. Karim is passionate about empowering communities and women to increase control over their health and improve their well-being. He believes in harnessing community inputs and fostering collective actions to improve the resilience of marginalized groups, pregnant women, girls, and people living with disabilities, especially in health emergencies. Karim has a critical interest in mental health promotion targeting youths to abstain from drug abuse. He believes that the socioeconomic impacts of mental health can be devastating for youth empowerment and national development.

Isaac Gonzales has four years of experience in the field of providing re-entry services to a population that is at high risk and underserved. During this time, he obtained an Associate of Arts degree in Sociology, an Associate of Arts degree in Behavioral Sciences, and an Associate of Arts degree in Humanities. Currently, he is actively pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at California State University of Los Angeles. In his capacity as a Case Manager and Community Health Worker at Homeboy Industries, he has been responsible for providing re-entry services to individuals who are marginalized and disadvantaged. Isaac is a highly experienced system management expert who has worked with Homeboy Industries, the Justice Care of Opportunities Department of Los Angeles County, and IBM to create a platform that connects persons to social services. Through this platform, a wide range of people whose lives are negatively impacted by social injustices will gain access to a variety of services. Isaac’s primary goal is to achieve the empowerment and inspiration of individuals, ultimately challenging and overturning preconceived ideas and beliefs.

Tolulope Makinde is a career development expert and an experienced project manager passionate about entrepreneurship, education and youth development with over a decade of experience in planning, activity design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and supervising projects and programs that focus on improving the quality of life of vulnerable children and adults and helping organizations reduce costs and maximize results, including providing technical leadership, developing reports, prioritize, advocate and network with individuals and partner stakeholders. As a Project Officer for Youth Development at SOS Children’s Villages, Nigeria, he has led efforts to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by coordinating career awareness and vocational guidance programs. His work involves establishing and maintaining effective relationships with various agencies, employees, and young people. He also plays a pivotal role in identifying the needs of young people in remote communities and developing strategies to address their social and emotional needs. He is the founder of Motivated Mankind, a network of entrepreneurs and volunteers who have a passion for impacting their society with their skills, knowledge, and innovation, and an initiative for youth development, education, and entrepreneurship. While working as the Programme Coordinator of the Motivated Mankind Initiative, he has helped thousands of youths to access relevant information for capacity building, career development, and professional development. His career goal is to utilize his skills and expertise in an organization to exceed projected revenue growth, build relationships with new people, influence people, and make a global impact.

Fernanda Cassiano is a seasoned professional in humanitarian and development operations with a distinguished career that spans across continents and focuses on refugee protection, program development, and donor relations. Fernanda holds an MSc (Merit) in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she specialised in food security, social protection, and multi-dimensional poverty, supported by the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. She serves as the Head of Programme at NRC, overseeing a comprehensive range of technical areas, including Food Security and Livelihoods, Cash and Voucher Assistance, Education and Youth, Legal Protection, Protection from Violence, WASH and Shelter. Fernanda has been instrumental in leading strategic initiatives, managing partnerships, and steering the development of technical strategies aligned with NRC regional and global priorities, including gender equality, disability inclusion, and durable solutions. Prior to her current role, Fernanda demonstrated her expertise in various capacities, including as Programme Development Manager with Save the Children International in Africa, where she supported strategy alignment and managed donor relationships. Her experience also extends to regional business development and awards management with Save the Children International in LAC, highlighting her ability to foster partnerships and secure funding for programmes aimed at the most marginalised and vulnerable groups. Fernanda’s career is driven by a passion for addressing social issues such as refugee protection and social inclusion. Her work reflects a deep commitment to humanitarian principles and a strategic approach to programme management, and advocacy, ensuring impactful interventions in complex and challenging environments.

Jasmine Rogers is an experienced member of CAMFED International’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Team. Based in Cambridge, UK, Jasmine joined CAMFED in 2018. In her role as MEL manager, Jasmine works to evaluate the impact of the organisation’s programmes, translating data and insights into valuable learning and providing technical and coordination support to CAMFED’s MEL teams in Ghana, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Jasmine holds an MA in Environment, Development and Policy from the University of Sussex, where she explored gendered socio-political relationships between environmental and developmental challenges in low-income countries and a BA in Geography from Durham University. With seven years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jasmine is committed to the promotion of community-based grassroots social change concerning gender equality, agriculture and climate change, and the transformative power of inclusive education.

Timsur Christopher Iliya is a seasoned social worker and conflict management specialist with over a decade of dedicated service in championing the welfare and empowerment of vulnerable populations, particularly orphans and children facing crises. With extensive experience in process and program development, child protection, and transformative peacebuilding, he serves as the Case Management Officer at SOS Children’s Village Programme Ogun, where he plays a pivotal role in implementing gate-keeping procedures, ensuring the fulfillment of basic needs, and providing comprehensive support to caregivers. His leadership and management skills have proven instrumental in optimizing resources and achieving organizational objectives effectively. His commitment to social justice is evident in his prior role as a Class Teacher, where he fostered a conducive learning environment while actively combating child abuse and exploitation. Passionate about child protection, case management, psychosocial support, and community development, Timsur actively engages in initiatives promoting family strengthening, holistic development, and gender equality. Grounded in academic excellence, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and International Studies from the esteemed University of Jos, Nigeria, complemented by a Master’s Degree in Conflict Management and Peace Studies, enhancing his expertise in fostering positive change and spearheading sustainable peacebuilding endeavors within communities. Timsur’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the marginalized through strategic interventions and tireless advocacy for social change reflects his vision of building resilient and inclusive societies, where every individual can thrive and flourish.

Nehemiah Makau Abere graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kakamega, Kenya. With over 9 years of industry experience, Nehemiah has dedicated the past year to serving as the IT & Facilities Coordinator at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), where he passionately spearheads digital transformation initiatives. His journey began in consultancy, playing a pivotal role as a systems implementer for clients in the retail sector. Nehemiah’s diverse experience includes a brief yet impactful technical support role at Standard Chartered Bank, followed by consultancy roles deploying technologies from global leaders such as Microsoft and Oracle. He gradually expanded his responsibilities to oversee projects and contribute significantly to business development. In his current capacity at MSF, Nehemiah is deeply committed to leveraging technology for economic development, enhancing operational efficiency, and championing accountability within the organization. His one-year tenure at MSF has further fueled his dedication to humanitarian efforts, making a meaningful impact at the intersection of technology and economic growth. Beyond his professional endeavors, Nehemiah is a valued partner at Sy-Intelli Consulting, a professional consultancy providing IT services to organizations, primarily focusing on NGOs. He holds a distinguished position as a board member for the MSF Shared IT Services Board, providing strategic direction and support to MSF on IT governance. Driven by a profound passion for economic development, Nehemiah seeks innovative ways to contribute to sustainable growth for vulnerable communities in our society.

Fanwi Seraphine Kakwi is a community social change worker and a Child Protection/Safeguarding Officer at SUSTAIN Cameroon and ECPAT Cameroon. She has over eleven years of experience in the development field. She is passionate about empowering women and girls providing them with the environment to achieve their full potentials. Fanwi is also an Evangelist and the founder & Executive Director of Mercy Seed Outreach. She holds a BA in Bible and Theology from All Nations For Christ Bible Institute International in Benin City, Nigeria and she has a diploma in inclusive special needs education and a Teacher’s Grade I Certificate.

Ya Sera Cham completed high school in 2002 and went on to study a one-year course in Information Technology (IT). In 2010, she pursued a diploma in financial services with ICM (Institute of Commercial Management) from Jollof Tutors. In 2010, she applied for an internship position at Tostan and was offered the position in December of the same year. Due to her performance, efficiency, hard work, and dedication, she was fully employed as an accountant in 2012. However, in 2014, Tostan faced some financial challenges in funding projects, which led to the closure of some branch offices in some countries, and termination of some employee contracts to reduce cost expenditure, and Gambia was part of it. Her contract was also terminated in that event in December 2014. Nevertheless, she continued to volunteer and help in the finance unit. In 2020, when the position of logistics officer was announced, she applied for it and was offered the job after undergoing the interview procedures. Her experience working in the accounts department equipped her with knowledge in developing annual project budgets, financial reporting, budget management, proper bookkeeping, cash tracking, and the use of QuickBooks software, among others.

Afiya Micah is a humanitarian worker with over six years of working as a social empowerment trainer, training marginalized women in rural communities in post-conflict areas of Plateau State. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in plant science and technology from the University of Jos. She is currently responsible for executing the one-year training curriculum, which comprises five modules: women’s solidarity, the value of women’s work, health and wellness, gender equality, rights and decision-making, and women influencing decisions in their communities and supervising program participants according to organizational guidelines. She is committed to empowering individuals to reach their full potential, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to change their lives, homes, and communities positively. She trained 150 women in advocacy and communication to prepare them to work as change agents in their community. She was part of the team that did a step-down training on gender and development for some of their colleagues. She has worked as an enumerator, collecting baseline data, and as a computer and data operator, conducting biometrics and data capture for the Plateau State ICT department. She is passionate about gender equality, poverty alleviation, social justice, education access, healthcare access, community development, human rights, mental health awareness, and community safety. She aims to empower individuals and communities to overcome challenges and create a more just and equitable society.