Helena Nangombe is the founder of the Young Women Empowerment Network, which aims to improve living conditions for young women and girls infected and affected by HIV in Namibia. She participated in the #WhatGirlsWant country focal points, a global movement led by the ATHENA Initiative, powered by young women who want to be meaningfully involved in making lasting change. Helena previously served as the Research and Technical Coordinator for UNAIDS #BeTeamWomen Initiative, coordinating global Facebook Live discussions covering a range of topics, from migration, cervical cancer, menstrual health, COVID-19, intersectionality and women of color in public health.

IVLP Impact Award Project: The Bright Future After School Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ongwediva

The project educated caregivers, girls and young women about ways to reduce the HIV and AIDS prevalence rate among orphans and vulnerable children in Ongwediva, Namibia. A total of 39 caregivers and 200 girls and young women participated and learned about child care, mental health, and HIV prevention. Educational materials were provided for students in schools and information on counseling and antenatal services was provided for the community.

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Helena participated in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360 in partnership with GlobalPittsburgh, WorldDenver and San Antonio Council for International Visitors.

Helena's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "I am happy to have been part of IVLP. Although it was during Covid-19, we had time to carry on with online sessions and they were all informative and we were able to learn from other young leaders."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

Denver, CO; Washington DC; Pittsburgh, PA; San Antonio, TX

Country: Namibia

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