The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Rachel is a member of Lokole United Methodist Church in the Central Congo Annual Conference. Her father is a pastor. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international relations at Africa University, Zimbabwe. She interned for a year in the State Protocol at Foreign Ministry (DRC).

“Being a United Methodist pastor’s kid,” she said, “I was involved in the church such as singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school and participating in youth activities.”

Although she attended church regularly, Rachel admits she did not have a personal relationship with God.

“For years, I limited myself to recognizing Jesus as my Savior,” she said. “I did not respect his teachings, I did not imitate his example and I did not entrust him with my decisions and choices.”

Perhaps the first lesson Rachel learned was the power of forgiveness. “When my family arrived in Kinshasa,” she said, “we were discriminated [against], and we did not receive help from others. I had a hard time forgiving them. After receiving Jesus in my life, I forgave myself and all those who had offended me. I confessed, and I repented.”

Today, Rachel is a new creature in Christ.

“The fruits of the Spirit are manifesting more in my life,” she said. “Jesus transformed me. My old sinful nature gave way to the new nature in Christ. My spirituality continues throughout my life and depends on my practicing the word of God.”

She decided to cultivate five positive habits: have a day of personal retreat, do a prayer vigil once a week, read the Bible daily for 30 minutes, talk about Jesus and help someone, and spend two days a week without social networking.

In the process, Rachel recalled, “I learned to believe in God. I put all my faith and trust in Jesus. I saw his miracles and received help through several people. I studied through a scholarship. They helped me finish my studies.”

Rachel asked God to guide her to the area in which she could best serve.

“I got the answer,” she said. “It’s in sharing and charity. Our lives are more meaningful when we are there for others, to have the Ubuntu – “I am because you are” – in my life. I should always care about the well-being of my neighbors.

“This is one of the reasons I decided to apply to Global Mission Fellows. If people who volunteered for me were not there, I would not be what I am today, and I could not have the chance [to pay] my financial fees. As a Christian and as the Bible says, we should always help our neighbors.

“As long as I am alive and as long as I can do something to put a smile on someone’s face, I should always do it.”

A-Banza, Rachel Ngoy

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Patrick is from Côte d’Ivoire, where he is a member of the Jehova Jire United Methodist Church in Abidjan in the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference. He holds a basic degree in literature from Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan, a degree in communications and human resources from the College of Abidjan, and master’s degree in social science from the National High Institute of Social Science. He has additional training in project management and monitoring and evaluation. He has worked as a coordinator in the evaluation and monitoring of community projects in the annual conference’s program to control HIV/AIDS and other pandemic diseases.

Born into a Christian home, Patrick was extremely active in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship on local, district, and annual conference levels. He was conference youth president and has also served the general church. He was a delegate to the 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Florida, and for the 2013-2016 quadrennium represented the West Africa Central Conference on the Division of Ministries for Young People (DMYP) of Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship). He also represented DMYP on the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund during same quadrennium. He is a member of the United Methodist Health Board of Côte d’Ivoire.

His call to mission emerges from his faith journey. “God calls me at a young age,” Patrick says. “God called me in many ways during my journey, and I learned I can serve God in many ways. God opened my heart, my mind, my spirit, and my strength; God touched me and led me into his mission.”

Abro, Patrick

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Charity Afful is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service.  

The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

Charity is a member of Bishop Lunge United Methodist English Church in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The church is related to the Central Congo Annual Conference. In Sunday school, Charity taught English language to the children. “Assisting with teaching children the word of God,” she said, “gave me a chance to know better and learn about God.” 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in environmental studies and English and a master’s degree in Human Rights, Peace and Development at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe.  

“Systemic barriers,” Charity explained, “continue to cause socioeconomic issues for local communities, particularly in Africa. These gaps range from environmental concerns to homelessness, from social intolerance to abuses of human rights, from careless government oversight to deteriorating educational standards, from drug usage to gender-based violence and social inequities.” 

Lacking the capacity to address such issues, political systems exacerbate problems. 

“Communities are left to struggle with these challenges and the effects that come with it,” Charity said. “Those of us [who want] to contribute to the solution are constrained by our skill sets and lack the experience necessary.” 

Charity believes the Global Mission Fellows program holds the key as she broadens her knowledge of volunteering in her community. 

“The most effective technique to develop leadership skills,” she said, “is through volunteering. In many ways, it aids in career development.” 

Charity looks forward to learning and building critical, interchangeable work skills such as task management, leadership, collaboration, communication and organization, while establishing a connection with the community.  

“I will gain experience working as a team member in various settings and with various types of people,” she said. “I will enhance my talents and apply them to fill skill shortages in my team and the community. I’ll gain the knowledge I need to tackle similar problems in my own community and future career.” 

Charity is especially concerned about the many older adults, widows and other people who fight to survive. “African society, including the church, has not yet accepted women as partners on an equal footing,” she said. “As a result, many African women are left to struggle alone with their children. Most lack the necessary education and means of subsistence to maintain their families. The number of this group increases daily.  

“While society downplays its obligation, the church fills the gap by offering support and psychosocial support services. This is carried out by many factions.” 

Charity was inspired by her father, Innocent P. Afful, a Global Ministries missionary. He died April 17, 2023, at age 49. “I have seen missionaries put their faith and all in their work, and believing that God is using them to change the lives of the communities, they are serving,” she said. 

She welcomes the opportunity to join Global Mission Fellows. “I can bring transformation wherever I go,” Charity asserted.  

Afful, Charity

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Gnagne Josias Mischael Agnero is an international Global Mission Fellow with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, engaged in a two-year term of service.  

The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

Gnagne is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Dabou, in the Côte d’Ivoire Annual Conference. He is responsible for information technology and a community manager in COCOM (Communication Comity) of the Dabou District. He also serves as the second secretary-general and national secretary in charge of communications and external relations of the Côte d’Ivoire Boys Brigade. Gnagne is vice chair of young people for the West Africa Central Conference. 

He has studied informaton and communication technologies since high school, earning a diploma/certificant in information technology and applications development at Hec La Roche Cocody(Abidjan); computer networks and security techniques, School of Multimedia Specialties of Abidjan; and fundamentals of digital marketing, Google Digital Workshops. He is a national ICT trainer and leader for the Côte d’Ivoire Boys and Girls Brigade.  

Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:39b, NRSVUE, guide Gnagne’s life: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 

“With this word,” Gnagne noted, “our Lord leads us to have as much love for our neighbor as for ourselves by serving him. This verse resonates in my head every time I see my neighbor in suffering. I make it my mission to serve others as Jesus Christ did.”  

Gnagne comes from a large family where people care about one another. With plenty of food to share with neighbors and strangers, anyone was welcome to join the family for a meal.  

He grew up in an environment of love and conviviality. Gnagne recalled, “My father always told us that he came from a very poor family and that enjoying three meals a day in his childhood was very difficult. He had to work in the fields as a laborer at the age of 10. He fought with the help of people of good will to access education and his first job and gave my brothers and me this mode of life that we have today. 

“Thanks to [my parents],” Gnagne continued, “I have this education and this happy life today.” 

Gnagne’s father, the congregation’s lay president, played a big role in his life. “Wanting to help everyone around him,” Gnagne said, “my father gave a lot to the church, neighbors and villagers. Often, he told me that we don’t need to have a lot to share with others.” As a boy, Gnagne shared his books, toys and food during recess.  

Today, he defines himself as one who loves to learn, create new things and use them for positive community transformation.  

“Innovation, daring and teamwork are my preferences,” Gnagne said. “All these qualities and skills obtained at the professional and community level will allow me to engage more effectively and with perseverance with decision-makers for quality social justice initiatives within the framework of Global Mission Fellows. 

“As a social entrepreneur,and Young Africa Leadership Initiative (YALI) RLC Accra, alumnus,” he added,  “I want to immerse myself in issues that undermine communities in countries other than Africa to better implement IT solutions that will help all communities around the world. 

“In addition, Global Mission Fellows will help me personally to develop my Christian character and my relationship with God in order to be a good, ethical leader.” 

Agnero, Gnagne Josias Mischael

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Ferdinand serves as a provisional deacon for the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference. He has participated in the choir at his local church. He attended Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree Honours in medical laboratory sciences.

Servant leadership is part of Ferdinand’s DNA. He strives to follow the example of Jesus Christ by sharing the fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatians (5:22-23). Doing so, he said, draws him near to God and fortifies his soul, invoking the spirit of Ubuntu: “I am because you are.” In serving others, he discovers his calling from God to help the less-privileged and advocate for justice in his community.

In his vocation in the medical field, Ferdinand makes an effort to take patients’ needs into account, adhere to established rules and regulations, and show compassion.

“I am always prioritizing people’s health in the community and displaying personal social holiness toward my neighbors,” he said. “I feel called to mission in order to continue serving my community and neighbors in alignment of the teaching of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, reflecting the core values of Global Mission Fellows: Engage, Connect and Grow.”

Ferdinand continued, “We are alive because Jesus died on the cross for us. This is God’s work that we are serving as Christians. I am willing to serve as a fellow because it will equip me with life tools, help develop my spiritual growth and reaffirm my faith as a Christian.” He is eager to refine his conceptions as a young Christian who has a vision to fulfill within his church.

“I am not benefiting alone, however,” he said. “My entire community will benefit from my return to my home country. I will be sharpening as a leader to become responsible and accountable to specific assigned duties during the program.  

“I will not only be working in the career goal pursued at school; I will also be taught other related life domains. Global Mission Fellows has necessary tools to equip me with innovative ideas and build a strong foundation for my future. I will not take this opportunity for granted because it is a gift from above. This seems the new start of my second life journey. This is my turn to shine. This program is a key to unlock my life discoveries and open doors to sharpen my faith journey.”

Ferdinand has worked in public and private sectors, both inside and outside his home country. “I have established good professional working relationships,” he said. The fellows program, he asserts, will provide splendid training for enhancing practical skills, unlock his career goals and enrich his spiritual growth.

“As a medical laboratory student (scientist),” he concluded, “I will do every effort to contribute significantly and widely to this program while still advancing my professional objectives. I am excited to become a fellow in your esteemed program because I believe it will give me great chances to learn about the medical sector in practice, [acquire] skills that will last a lifetime and deepen my Christian spirituality.”

Akoka Akoka, Ferdinand

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources management from Africa University, Harare, Zimbabwe. He participated in The United Methodist Church’s material-prevention ministry. Most recently, Afonso was an environmental inspector for the Environmental Management Agency in Zimbabwe.

He is a member of the United Methodist Church in Malanje, related to the East Angola Annual Conference. Afonso was a Sunday school teacher and assisted missionaries in community literacy programs. Through various experiences and influences, he grew spiritually.

“I have been exposed  to different religious and spiritual teachings,” Afonso said, “and these have sparked my curiosity and led me to explore and comprehend many belief systems.” He recognizes that spiritual development is not confined to a particular tradition or belief system.

“It is a synthesis of wisdom gleaned from different sources: meditation, prayer and introspection,” he said. “I understand that mission work [requires] a deep desire of serving others and contributing positively to the world. My calling is shaped by my spiritual growth and the realization that my purpose extends beyond personal fulfillment.

“I feel a deep-seated urge to alleviate suffering, promote peace and foster understanding,” Afonso added. “My calling to mission work is rooted in the personal belief that I have the capacity to [make] a meaningful difference in others’ lives.”

A music lover, Afonso has served as a choirmaster. He looks forward to “investing in the new generation. My skill is a gift from God for his people as their servant.”

Afonso referenced Matthew 9:37-38: “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” He also quoted Matthew 22:14: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Alberto, Afonso Mutunda Upale

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“My function,” she says, “is to proclaim Christ to the world while striving for God’s reign of grace, peace, and justice.” She teaches women sewing, knitting, housekeeping hygiene, and HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and care. She leads Bible studies and works with her husband in outreach to immigrants and refugees.

Kabaka and her husband, the Rev. Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi, also a missionary, have been in Tanzania since 1992. Over the years, Kabaka has assisted refugees and worked closely with her husband in evangelization, church planting, and caring for the developing church community.

The church in Tanzania has become firmly rooted since it began through mission outreach by the North Katanga Annual Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kabaka is from North Katanga and has seen United Methodism in Tanzania flourish and move toward annual conference status. Rev. Wa Mushidi, an ordained elder in North Katanga Annual Conference, is the legal representative of the North Katanga bishop in Tanzania.

Kabaka did her secondary and teacher’s college work in the 1980s in Kakinda, DRC and served as a teacher in the United Methodist primary schools in Kamina, Kitenge, and Kabongo. Later, when she accompanied her husband to seminary in Mulungwishi, she completed studies in midwifery, preschool education, home skills education, and counseling. She worked with women in the DRC before moving to Tanzania.

Kabaka and Mutwale have four daughters.

Alphonsine, Kabaka Ndala

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

A lay member of New Georgia Baptist Church in Monrovia, Liberia, Rachel participates in the health department. “We give health talks every Sunday,” she said. She is part of the worship team, the girls’ auxiliary and the youth group.         

Rachel was never involved in her former congregation’s work. “I would always shun responsibilities, probably because I felt too young, not ready or too scared to be seen,” she explained.

That changed when she joined the New Georgia Baptist Church. After her baptism in January 2024, Rachel said, “I felt at home, and I wanted to take roles, to be fully involved with doing something meaningful for God.

“I took that bold step, even though I was still scared. I presented for the first time, and I did so well that I got lot of compliments. I felt encouraged, so I later decided to join the worship team, where we participate in Scripture and responsive readings, which leads to conducting Sunday service. And, yes, God came through as always. I am so grateful to have reached this far with my Christian life.”

Rachel feels called to missionary work, she said, because “with my spiritual and personal challenges that I’ve experienced, I have had no one else to put my trust in but God. God came through for me, giving me that easiness and inner peace toward handling situations that had weighed me down. I look forward to testifying and sharing my spiritual breakthrough and growth with others.”

She hopes to share her experiences with others from different diasporas to help them understand and know that around the world, people go through crises and challenges.

“My ultimate goal of being a Global Mission Fellow,” Rachel said, “is to become an expert in my field and make significant contributions through my work and leadership abilities. I am dedicated to navigating various responsibilities and gaining specialized training and skills, access to professional networks, and resources.

“I want to experience professional and personal leadership growth, and to be aware of my strengths, challenges and abilities. Being a fellow will help me with my spiritual growth, by connecting me with others in a way that supports and builds my faith, which is important for spiritual growth and well-being.”

Rachel is eager to use her skills, education and interests to foster growth and change within the community and society. “The combination of my expertise, experience and commitment to serve,” she asserts, “can help transform lives and promote development.”

Rachel is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in public health and an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, Rachel believes in sharing her knowledge through education. “It is a powerful tool for transforming, addressing social issues and ensuring equitable opportunities,” she noted. “I will be able to educate people and communities about preventive care and healthy practices, reducing prevalence of preventable diseases.

“I want to channel my education, interests and skills as a fellow,” Rachel continued, “through effective and empathetic communication because it ensures that ideas are understood and valued. I would engage in volunteering my time, advocating to amplify efforts to reach those in need, because volunteering allows individuals to apply their skills directly.”

She believes that giving back benefits others and enriches one’s sense of purpose and fulfillment, “creating a circle of positive change that echoes throughout society.”

Ansah, Rachel Brenda

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world. 

A member of the Africa Methodist Episcopal Zion Church- Western West Africa Episcopal District-Ghana Region, Nicholas served in mission for about four years, guiding youth and holding several leadership roles including national evangelism secretary, Ghana Region; Oti Mission District youth coordinator; and others. He earned an advanced degree in theology.

“My dedication to youth and children’s advocacy, gender equality, environmental sustainability and educational reform runs deep and has driven much of my volunteer work,” Nicholas said. “I’ve engaged in community projects, advocacy campaigns and educational initiatives that align with my belief in fairness and opportunity for all.”

Nicholas describes his spiritual journey as one of self-discovery, growth and surrender. “As I’ve walked deeper into my relationship with God,” he said, “I’ve begun to experience a sense of purpose and calling that goes beyond my own personal salvation. Through moments of quiet reflection, prayer and meditation upon Scripture, I’ve come to understand that my faith is not just about my own personal journey, but also about being a vessel for God’s love and redemption in the world.”

Increasingly aware of the needs and injustices around him, Nicholas has felt a stong need in his heart and spirit to bring hope, healing and restoration to those who suffer. “This sense of calling,” he said, “has led me to explore mission work, where I can use my gifts, skills and experiences to serve others and share the love of Christ.”

To Nicholas mission work means more than doing good deeds or checking boxes off a list. “It’s about being a part of God’s larger story of redemption and restoration,” he explained. “It’s about embracing the beauty and complexity of human experience, and recognizing that we are all in this together. I’m excited to embark on this journey, to learn from and serve alongside others, and to see how God will use me to bring light and life to those around me.”

Experiencing excitement, nervousness and anticipation, Niccholas knows that Global Mission Fellows will challenge him to step out of his comfort zone, to trust God in new and deeper ways, and to rely on God’s strength and guidance. “I’m ready,” he said, “to take this step of faith, to see where God will lead me and to be a part of God’s redemptive work in the world.”

Global Mission Fellows, Nicholas asserts, presents an extraordinary opportunity to live out his faith through meaningful action, and to engage with a community in ways that align deeply with his values. “Faith,” he said, “is about service, compassion and the pursuit of justice, especially for those who have been marginalized or left out of the larger narrative.

“One of the main reasons I am drawn to this program is its emphasis on justice as a central component of faith. I believe that faith, when active, can bring about transformative change by addressing root causes of inequality and advocating for dignity, equity and compassion.”

Nicholas is especially interested in learning more about social justice, environmental sustainability, and advocacy for children and youth. “Working in partnership with community members and other fellows,” he said, “would give me invaluable insights into the complexity of these issues and the interconnectedness of our global challenges. The program’s structure – combining hands-on service, collaboration, and reflection – will prepare me not only with skills, but also with the empathy and resilience needed to continue working in fields that require both head and heart.”

He believes that Global Mission Fellows will prove foundational in shaping his career. “I aspire to work in fields where service, justice and community are at the forefront, whether through nonprofit work, policy advocacy or education,” Nicholas explained. “This fellowship will equip me with the practical skills, cultural sensitivity, and perspective that I will need to engage effectively and compassionately in any community I serve in the future.

“This fellowship represents a step toward making a meaningful, sustained impact – one that I hope to carry forward in my career and beyond.”

Asiwu, Nicholas

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The Global Mission Fellows program takes young adults ages 20-30 out of their home environments and places them in new contexts for mission experience and service. The program has a strong emphasis on faith and justice. Global Mission Fellows become active parts of their new local communities. They connect the church in mission across cultural and geographical boundaries. They grow in personal and social holiness and become strong young leaders working to build just communities in a peaceful world.

Chanceline is a lay member of Ibanda United Methodist Church, Bukavu, DRC, related to the Kivu Annual Conference. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in international relations.

At Ibanda UMC, she participated in the Kitumahini choir and served as youth group secretary, helping to organize activities, taking minutes, and fostering communication and growth.

“My spiritual growth,” Chanceline said, “ has been deeply influenced by the core principles of grace, love and justice. From a young age, I was taught that faith is not a solitary journey but must be expressed through service to others. The teachings of John Wesley, especially his emphasis on social holiness and the practical application of faith, have been instrumental in guiding me to put my faith into practice in ways that impact my personal life and the world. The United Methodist Church’s emphasis on social justice, servant leadership and peace aligns closely with the values ​​of my life as a follower of Christ.”

Recognizing that faith is most fully fulfilled when it is put into action drew Chanceline to missionary work. She realizes that an essential ingredient of missionary work is relationship building based on mutual growth, compassion and understanding. “This approach,” she noted, “fosters a deep connection with others in their struggles and provides a space for spiritual and emotional support.”

Chanceline’s background in international relations has enriched her understanding of complex global issues such as poverty, conflict and human rights abuses. “These challenges,” she explained, “have given me a strong sense of responsibility, which has motivated me to take action and work to find solutions. The call to mission seems to me to be a natural extension of my faith and academic pursuits.”

She expecially appreciates the global reach of The United Methodist Church. “Missionary work transcends borders, meeting the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world,” Chanceline said. “I feel called to participate in this work to demonstrate God’s love for all people, contributing to the healing and transformation of a broken world.”

For Chanceline, one appeal of Global Mission Fellows is the opportunity to be with the marginalized, to learn with and from them. She is eager to immerse herself in another community and to live her faith by engaging in social issues such as poverty, human rights and inequality.

“In that way,” she said, “serving whether through community development, advocacy or direct service becomes putting into practice a realizable and meaningful faith. What truly excites me most is the fellowship’s focus on justice, as I strongly believe that we are called to stand with those who are oppressed and strive toward building an ever-just, fairer society.”

Chanceline believes the program will prepare her for her future career, helping her to develop the practical skills necessary to lead and advocate for change in a global context. She hopes to gain insight on how to work across cultural barriers, communicate effectively with diverse communities and collaborate with local leaders to address complex challenges.

“I will have firsthand experience of a deeper understanding of the systemic causes of injustices and learn to act with compassion and strategic action through that learning experience,” Chanceline said. “The fellowship would challenge me to grow not only as a servant leader but also as a global citizen with the tools and mindset to contribute meaningfully to any future roles I will pursue.

“Critical thinking, understanding of real-world global issues, and the knowledge of working through complex political and social systems have all been provided through my education. I plan to work with those skills to address whatever brings injustice, irrespective of whether it is human rights violations, poverty or systemic inequality.”

She wants to use her international relations knowledge and skills to help communities navigate the global systems that affect their lives. She strives to connect people to international organizations, legal frameworks and resources that support human rights, peace-building and sustainable development.

“My interest in cross-cultural communication and diplomacy,” Chanceline asserted, “would help me build strong relationships with local leaders, organizations and communities. I believe that trust and mutual understanding are prerequisites for effective sustainable solutions. Through this fellowship, I hope to keep developing such skills while learning from the communities I serve and adapting my approach to their unique needs.”

Basilwango, Chanceline Oya

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