Winter 2024 SUSI Global Student Leaders on Civic Engagement

We are excited to welcome yet another SUSI cohort to Seattle. SUSI (Study of the U.S. Institute) is a program hosted by FIUTS in collaboration with Meridian International Center and partnered with U.S. Department of State aimed to develop global leadership skills. Participants travel to the U.S. and undergo and intensive 5-week program in their host cities under the theme of civic engagement. During their time in the U.S., the participants get to explore the different aspects of American living while attending leadership workshops, civil rights courses, and stay with a local family for an added cross-cultural exchange. Our upcoming SUSI on Civic Engagement cohort includes 20 participants from 5 different countries in southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

We asked our SUSI participants to send us a brief introduction about themselves and what they would like to achieve during their engagement in the program:

Paulo Manuel Miguel De Oliveira (he/him/his)

Angola

Paulo de Oliveira is a second-year student from Angola. He studies history at the Instituto Superior de Ciências da Educação (ISCED) Huambo and is interested in digital entrepreneurship, startups, agritech, fintech, and in creating solutions for mobility challenges. In addition to his academic interests, he spends his time working as the CEO of GoRide which is a startup working in the transport sector. He also works for a not-for-profit organization as the director of online engagement. He loves startups created in Angola and looks forward to sharing Angolan startups with Americans. During his SUSI experience, he wants to learn how to lead teams in times of uncertainty, because Angola is now living a difficult economic time for business.

Pacha David Ngueve Sumaria (She/her/hers)

Angola

Pacha Sumária is second-year university student from Angola and is studying English Linguistics at the Catholic University of Huambo. She wants to be a teacher and a translator/interpreter. Pacha is doing an internship to be a teacher at an English center in Huambo that is called Excelência. She is engaged in education because she believes in education as a means of building a better society. Pacha’s biggest dream is to build an orphanage in her community (Cuito). By participating in the SUSI program, she hopes to learn more about education and different methods that can be used to have better students and future leaders, learn more about other communities and how things work there and get as much experience as she can to apply in her own community.

Manuel Afonso Antonio Tomas (he/him/his)

Joao Carlos Do Nascimento Francisco (he/him/his)

Angola

Manuel Afonso António Tomás, junior student of Accounting and Finance at Technical Superior Institute of Administration and Finance from Academia BAI - ISAF. Manuel is the president at ISAF Student Body, community ambassador international English Everyday Conversation for Southern African countries, CEO of the English language center English Plus and co-founder of the NGO Kambas do Ambiente.
At ISAF, Manuel Tomás is recognized for academic leadership through several achievements that contributed to the dynamization of jobs, creation of business and networking for young students.
He also carried out the first guided study tour for students of Information Technology for Financial Management and Banking Management and Insurance from ISAF to NOSSA Seguros. This feat was so inclusive, around 40 students were able to see up close and in real time the work environment when creating policies for the second largest insurance company in Angola. Tomás participated in the 15 chosen for the Genius Club program supported by American Embassy in Angola, created by Timóteo Quifífica (SUSI Alumni 2023) this program aimed to bring together young leaders with skills in mathematics and English language and properly instruct them in application of exchange programs.
Recently, Tomás was nominated by the BAI Academy to receive UNICEF and lead the State General Budget Analysis workshop. Impacting more than 150 students, this event raised their critical sense about the country's macroeconomic situation and the importance of allocation budget for the social sector.
As a student leader, Manuel Tomás is passionate about knowledge applied science to solve problems in social life. As an environmental educator, he brings environmental education to children in communities and schools.
All this deeds led Manuel Tomás to be elected as President of Student Body from one of the me most renowned universities in Angola, ISAF.

Angola

João Carlos is a second-year college student from Angola. He is studying International Relations at the Instituto Superior Politénico Atlântida and intends to specialize in educational exchange and become an admissions officer. As NERI’s (National Core of International Relations Students) representative at his college for the exchange sector, he recently launched a Free English Course to assist 1st and 2nd year students. He loves learning about other cultures. As for the SUSI program, he hopes to learn the secrets behind the success of the U.S. Institutes and apply them in his home country.

Botswana

Kagiso David is a fifth-year (final) university student from Botswana. He is studying Law at the University of Botswana and is interested in Constitutional and Administrative, Public International, Human Rights, and Commercial and Banking Law. In addition to academic interests, he spends his time working as a community organizer operating under his campaign called LEARNING FOR A PURPOSE, in which he visits students in basic education. Kagiso also has an internship at Rantao Attorneys, a law firm renowned for success in constitutional and human rights law landmarks cases in Botswana. He enjoys reading political memoirs and commentaries and looks forward to reading more on American history and sharing information about Botswana and Africa with Americans during his time in the United States. During his SUSI experience, he wants to learn about democracy and democratic institutions in America and how they assist in improving the standard of living of people and ensuring the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Botswana

Maverick Tambo M Kabelo is a third-year Business Management student at Botho University in Botswana. Maverick’s professional background is mainly focused on digital media. He is a writer, digital media practitioner, and startup entrepreneur. At the present time, Maverick is interested in personal and professional growth. He helps his peers gain personal growth and development skills. His main goal is to be a major digital transformation leader in Botswana and Africa, and personally - to help as many youths as possible with personal growth. As a student, Maverick aims to achieve academic excellence that will always position him as a top candidate, and his most proud achievement is earning a Dean's List Award for the last 3 semesters. Maverick hopes to gain leadership skills from the SUSI program and learn how to share his skills with his peers and the community.

Botswana

Fatima Kebonye Molefhe is a fourth-year student at Botswana Accountancy College pursuing a Professional Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

The Botswana native found a passion outside the professional world and first tapped into the world of social development by being one of the first Model Parliament Botswana alumni. She gained a sound understanding of the importance of civic engagement and formulating policies that are research-centered and are for the objective good of the wider society while catering to individual considerations. Beyond being an aspiring Supply Chain Strategist, she aims to further equip herself with the tools and knowledge that will empower every member of society such that each individual has a part to play in the collective advancement of humanity through the SUSI experience.

Maatla Daisy Laone Otukile (she/her/hers)

Botswana

Maatla Otukile is a fifth-year Bachelor of Laws-general student at the University of Botswana in Gaborone, Botswana. Besides school, her keen interests involve volunteering in different organizations on and off campus. Since her second year in University, Maatla has volunteered in many different organizations to learn as much as she can and build networks. She prides herself on advocating for vulnerable groups in society. As a result, she embarked on an intense 8-week program facilitated by the Young African Leaders Institute. She interacted with other African leaders to discuss the issues faced by members of her community and how such issues can be combated. She did exceptionally well in the program and as a result, graduated. During her SUSI engagement, she is mostly looking forward to learning the American culture and how they tackle issues such as human rights violations and to grow their leadership skills with the hope to assist her communities upon her return.

Mozambique

Viagem João Adriano is a fourth year University student from Mozambique. He studies International Relations and Diplomacy at Joaquim Chissano University and is interested in international economics, law, and relations between States. He is the President of the Joaquim Chissano University Debate Club, aiming to instigate in students an interest in reflection on relevant subjects and develop in them a culture of critical analysis on matters regarding various fields in order to make them the best debaters of recognized merit, leading to collective/individual success that allows them to represent the Joaquim Chissano University and Mozambique across borders. In addition to his academic interests, he spends his free time working on the "Txekaja" initiative focused on supporting and assist in the response to HIV/AIDS and sexual-reproductive health in higher education students. He also works on the project, "One semester, One solidarity action," which is designated to carry out a donation campaign for orphanages and children in need per semester. He is also a writer and poet having participated in the VII International Poetry Festival with the participation of poets from Mozambique, South Africa, Brazil, Galicia and Portugal. He dedicates himself to writing books and reciting poems having participated in the e-Book entitled "No Antro de Desterro", written by members of the Joaquim Chissano University Writer's Club. He hopes to share Mozambican culture and art with Americans and other participants during his participation in the SUSI program. During his experience at SUSI, he intends to learn how to be a better leader, so that he can help in the development of his community and his country by being equipped with the right skills and experience that will allow him to do so.

Lisandra Serepiao Chiguma (she/her/hers)

Mozambique

Lisandra Serepião Chiguma is a second-year university student from Beira. She studies Mineral Processing Engineering at the Higher Polytechnic Institute of Tete and is interested in the processing of minerals and the impacts of this activity on the environment. She loves making cakes and cookies, enjoys coffee and connecting with nature, and seeks to teach about Mozambican culture and gastronomy during the SUSI program. During her experience at SUSI, she aims to learn about the U.S. economy and business and thus seek innovations that can be implemented in her country.

Mozambique

Elizeu Patrício Luís is a Mozambican third-year university student. He is currently attending an agriculture course at Rovuma University and is very interested in civic engagement and leadership. Elizeu is a volunteer in his community where he works to promote and defend children's rights and teaches English to underprivileged children and adults who have no conditions to afford an English course or attend a private school. His goal is to become a great leader and a change-maker in his community. He also wants to help his community overcome many social problems. He has already taught many people who are now able to speak, listen, and write English which has made him a proud teacher while teaching many children about their rights. He hopes to gain more experience and a great capacity for leadership and civic engagement during the SUSI program.

Alimo Uirissone Manuel Mussa (he/him/his)

Mozambique

Alimo Uirissone Manuel Mussa is a student at the University Rovuma in Nampula, Mozambique. He is studying to become an English teacher and enjoys helping others in his community. Alimo is also passionate about learning leadership skills. He is not just having fun, he is spreading the rich traditions and values of Mozambique. Alimo Uirissone Manuel Mussa is helping street children by teaching them to take them back home as well as to school. This is not just a journey for Alimo, it is a chance to connect with people from different parts of the world. Through the SUSI program, Alimo Uirissone Manuel Mussa wants to make the world a bit smaller and friendlier.

South Africa

Lesedi is a 3rd year Bachelor of Education student from South Africa. He is a passionate individual who believes in volunteering and giving back to the community. His involvement in student leadership includes being the Treasurer of the Moroka House Committee 2022/2023 and the Education and Transformational Officer of the South African Student Congress Organisation (SASCO). He has been awarded the Distinguished Service award for his service as the Treasurer for Moroka Residence. Lesedi is always involved in activities and programs within the university. Lesedi has served as a mentor for the Talent Pipeline Program, Wellness Warrior, and a Student Assistant. He believes that SUSI will improve his leadership and interactive skills and will also add to his personal development. He is also looking forward to sharing the history, culture, and other interesting things about South Africa with his American mates.

South Africa

Ayaaz Jada is a fourth-year international relations and law student from South Africa. His interests are in international civil litigation and commercial investigations. Ayaaz thrives on interacting with other people and getting to know more about other cultures and communities. He is passionate about his country's culture and history and looks forward to sharing such richness with others during the SUSI Program.

Fundiswa Ntandoyenkosi Mvubu (she/her/hers)

South Africa

Fundiswa Ntandoyenkosi Mvubu is a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student at the University of KwaZulu Natal. In addition to her academics, she is the Deputy President of Enactus UKZN at the Westville campus, leading a team of 50+ members committed to bringing change in the community through social entrepreneurship. She is also the chairperson of the South African-Sweden University Forum committee within the University. Some of her biggest accomplishments are launching her company EasyMed Supplies and co-founding a nonprofit organization, The Proffer Hand. During their SUSI experience, Fundiswa wants to learn about, engage with, and impart knowledge to the other participants and about America.

South Africa

Ndalamo Hope Siaga is a second-year student from the South African Limpopo province at the University of Venda. She is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and are interested in improving human health, helping the community, promoting internationalization abroad and at home, and creating a safe environment for all. In addition to her academic interest, she spends her free time working with an NGO that aims to improve and give support to disadvantaged learners. She remains at school as a director and a secretary of Western Media Foundation and leads an organization at her university which promotes education, research, and innovation the organization is South African Sweden University Forum. She also loves to cook, socialize, and learn from others. Ndalamo is looking forward to sharing ideas with other leaders and learning how Americans sustain their nutrition life and practice internationalization during the SUSI on Civic Engagement program. During this program, she wants to see improvement in how they engage with leaders and community members through NGO programs.

Zimbabwe

Dewere Rumbidzai Nayeema is a third-year university student from the Harare Institute of Technology in Zimbabwe, currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Diagnostic Radiography. She is interested in international diplomacy, health care, economic growth, and community engagement. In addition to her academic interests, she is also a qualified Nurse Aide, and she spends her free time volunteering as advanced first aiders at Fillies Basketball Club. She loves to travel, play sports, and exchange cultures and looks forward to sharing cultures with the Americans during the SUSI program on Civic Engagement. During the SUSI program, they want to learn how to engage in the community and enhance their skills in professional networking and economic development.

Zimbabwe

Lennox Machoko is a Bachelor of Pharmacy student at the University of Zimbabwe. His interests range from human rights activism, democracy issues, youth participation, and citizens’ political consciousness as well as promotion of public health. Lennox is the co-founder of #StudentsAction4Change, an organization working on promoting the participation of students and youths in the national discourse as well as promoting civic and political consciousness within that constituency. He loves to read books and socialize and looks forward to connecting with peers from different backgrounds as well as sharing the Zimbabwean culture, and political and civic perspectives. During his SUSI experience, Lennox expects to learn how to engage and mobilize young people for change as well as how to build civic initiatives into fully-fledged CSOs.

Zimbabwe

Isheunesu Madembo is a third-year student from Zimbabwe currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Social Work at Midlands State University. His professional goal is to obtain his bachelor’s degree and then pursue a Master's in Green Social Work. He also aspires to be an effective youth leader in his nation, particularly in advocating for democracy and addressing climate change issues. Isheunesu is proud of his accomplishments as an effective student leader and local coordinator with Students for Liberty. He has also experienced personal growth in various aspects of his life. He is passionate about social justice and climate change and hopes to make a positive impact in these areas. Through the SUSI program, Isheunesu aims to improve his confidence and leadership skills, enhance his professional abilities, and acquire new skills that he can apply within his community.

Ropafadzo Bongai Mazarire (she/her/hers)

Zimbabwe

Ropafadzo Mazarire is a third-year student from Zimbabwe. She studies Environmental Engineering at the Zimbabwean, Chinhoyi University of Technology and is interested in development projects and the implications that they have on the environment and communities. In addition to her academic interests, she spends her time doing voluntary work through Enactus, a world-renowned social entrepreneurship club, as well as running a local charity organization. She believes that science is political and that engineering solutions can solve some of the world's most pressing problems. She is a proud Hult prize participant, and she represented her country in the Hult prize competitions through the design of a wastewater treatment plant. She is interested in social entrepreneurship and community development projects and hopes that the SUSI program will provide a platform to enhance that passion through hearing diverse takes on common problems faced by communities.

Nada RamadanDecember 18, 2023

Winter 2024 SUSI Global Student Leaders on Civic Engagement

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