Can we meet you?
My name is Hillya Mwatiledu, a 29-year-old Namibian citizen. I grew up in a small town. I love reading, hiking and gardening.
Tell us briefly your childhood experience.
My childhood was such a beautiful experience. I come from a very close-knitted family which is why I treasure human connections. My mom sacrificed so much for us to be where we are today. She raised us to be independent thinkers that set their goals and achieve them. She has been that northern star in our lives. I am always nostalgic by the memories we have created together.
What is your educational background?
I obtained hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Namibia. I am currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Global Public Health at the University of Queen Mary London.
Tell us briefly, what is like to be a citizen of your country.
Namibia is a very peaceful country, which affords us with opportunities to really go out and be whoever we want to be. The education system is accommodating and political arena is calm. I really love it here and all the natural beauty around it.
What are your contributions towards making your country a better place?
I am the co-founder of Tulonga Foundation, a welfare organization that provides educational programs to learners with disabilities as well as young girls from marginalized /disadvantaged backgrounds. The foundation runs two segments of focus respectively known as, the Disability
Program and Girl’s Mentorship Program. The Disability Program facilitates the development of each learner’s potential, capacity, capability, self-awareness, self-love, self-acceptance, self-confidence and career development within an established and compassionate environment. This is achieved by providing programs such as tutoring, counselling, mentorship, coaching and fitness programs to learners with special needs by adopting a holistic approach to education. This in turn ensures that learners with any impairments have a right to self-development and a quality inclusive education without any hindrance, discrimination nor segregation. Our Girl Mentorship Program provides a 6-month intense mentorship, as well as tutoring, counselling, coaching and fitness programs for young girls from marginalized communities and disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. The focus is mentoring girls to become strong, effective communicators, self-aware, including the enhancement of communication skills and the ability to communicate respectfully with adults and peers alike. This program focuses on ensuring that the girls we come in contact with are encouraged to explore their intellectual capacities. The aim is to develop groomed, well rounded young women who can take on leadership roles and become self-dependent in our communities.
What steps did you take to bring your vision to fruition?
I came up with a strategic plan, built a team and began work from one point to the next.
What have been your achievements?
We have directly mentored 150 girls. Many of them are in universities and training institutions, thriving to become better versions of themselves. Seeing these girls continuously developing themselves through educational opportunities is something I am proud of.
What motivated you to do what you are doing?
My extensive work with learners from different spheres of life as a student counselor instilled in me a deep connection to work towards helping young people cultivate and nourish their goals and aspirations, which is the fundamental vessel that drives the vision of Tulonga Foundation.
What has been your major challenge since you began your nonprofit?
We had difficulties implementing our projects in the midst of the pandemic. We had to learn and accept change, which is why we are moving forward today, one-step at a time.
How have you been able to raise money to implement your ideas?
Basically, we have received funding from individuals, local SMEs and international donor organizations.
Could you share with us one or two experience(s) you have had in the course of your campaign that has impacted on you?
Over the years, we have been working closely with all our beneficiaries and they all come with different stories. When they share their stories, we are inspired to continue doing what we are doing because we are changing lives. It is so heartwarming to see young girls diligently set great goals and show up every day to achieve them despite the negative experiences they have been through. This has positively influenced me and I am a better person today.
What are your prospects in the next 5 or 10 years?
Our main goal is to scale on a capacity level that will enable us to reach more young girls especially those in marginalized groups so that we can positively influence them.
What do you think is the major cause of unemployment in Africa, and how can we get over this?
It is the lack of access to inclusive education. Our current education system trains young people to rely on government to create jobs instead of promoting innovations and self- startups. To change our experience as a continent, we must diversify the education system to include vocational training and promote entrepreneurship through technology. Governments should also increase funding for projects and encourage long-term sustainable programs instead of finding quick fixes. Also, young innovators should be granted access to tools and resources to create employment opportunities in Africa.
If you had an opportunity to speak to presidents in Africa, what would be your message?
Keep pushing the agenda on inclusive education. Understand that every child deserves quality education and invest in an inclusive education system that will build a good foundation for every child whether in rural or urban areas.
Thank you Hillya for sharing your story with us.
It's my pleasure
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