In line with Leadership for Conservation in Africa’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of conservationists, we established a Youth Advisory Council (YAC). This council consists of a group of inspiring young individuals from across the continent, each actively involved in fields related to conservation and environmental issues. United by a shared passion for biodiversity protection, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to shape the future of conservation in Africa.
Robert Ganza Mpore
Robert Ganza Mpore currently serves as a project leader at Leadership for Conservation in Africa, focusing on conservation agriculture in the ShareScreen Africa initiative. With a rich background in environmental policy and agricultural modernization, he previously held the esteemed position of Commissioner for Environment and Climate Action at Rwanda National Students Association. Robert’s dedication to sustainable development is evident through his internship at the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources of Rwanda, where he contributed to advancing agricultural practices within the Department of Agriculture Modernization. His leadership prowess was honed during his tenure as President of the Student Representative Council at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, from which he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in conservation agriculture, cementing his commitment to conservation and agricultural innovation.
Cielle Vaughan
Cielle Vaughan discovered her love for nature growing up in Kenya, amidst the serene shores of Lake Naivasha. Her educational journey took her to England, where she pursued both Secondary and Tertiary education. Cielle earned her undergraduate degree in Conservation Biology and Ecology, followed by a Master’s Degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Exeter. During her postgraduate studies, she focused on her favourite creatures, dung beetles, shaping a master’s thesis that reflected her passion. Presently, Cielle is humbled to be a part of the LCA community. She serves as the Secretary for the LCA Youth Advisory Council, channelling her dedication and organizational skills toward the cause. Additionally, in her role East Africa Lead for ShareScreen Africa, she is committed to promoting environmental education and awareness and conservation in the region. With a genuine love for biodiversity, Cielle Vaughan stands committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of conservation.
Sellah Malanga
Sellah Malanga is a veterinary doctor and teacher who loves nature. Having experienced environmental destruction during her childhood, she ventured into environmental education so as to save the little that was left. Before joining the veterinary school, she was a primary school teacher and was a matron for wildlife club. Her passion for environmental conservation was clearly shown and started to grow when she joined the veterinary school where she started working with lessons in conservation as a founding regional manager for Lilongwe Lessons in Conservation team. Sellah spent her weekends preaching conservation to children living in the university surrounding areas.Apart from being a member of LCA youth advisory council, she is also Southern Africa coordinator for ShareScreen Africa. She enjoys interacting with people especially children and spending time in the bush.
Laurine Koech
My name is Laurine Koech a dedicated environmental enthusiast born and raised in Baringo, Kenya. I currently work as Senior Project Officer at Baringo County Conservancies Association (BCCA). Growing up my biggest motivation has been to work with communities at the grassroots level this ignited my passion for environmental conservation. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and ongoing pursuit of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management at African Nazarene University. Beyond my academic achievements, I am actively involved in programs that support women and youths in conservation in the efforts that seek to empower and involve them in sustainable practices within my region. I strongly believe youths possess immense potential to drive meaningful change in the world because of their passion, energy, and innovative thinking.
Diane Mumararungu
Diane Mumararungu, a dedicated advocate for conservation agriculture from Rwanda, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Agriculture and currently serves as the project lead at ShareScreen Africa. Focus on projects promoting eco-friendly farming practices(Conservation Agriculture) and leads projects aiming at enhancing sustainability and environmental conservation within the agricultural sector. Alongside her profession, Diane is member of LCA-Youth Advisory Council and she’s actively engaged in community development initiatives as a member of the National Youth Council in Bugesera-Rwanda. Through her advocacy efforts on social media as the agriculture influencer; raises awareness about conservation agriculture and climate action, inspiring youth and others to join the cause. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring nature, participating in outdoor activities, and expressing her creativity & Joy through dancing.
Rubibi Ben Johnson
I am Rubibi Ben Johnson. I was born and raised in Rwanda. I may say the lush greenery of our hilly landscapes flows in my blood. I studied at the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, focusing on practical conservation agriculture, communications, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In ShareScreen Africa’s ongoing efforts to bridge the conservation knowledge gap within Africa, I aspire to become an influential digital storyteller who tells stories that inspire people to contribute to conservation for a sustainable world. Currently, I serve as a project leader at ShareScreen Africa, where my work involves contributing to the creative vision of ShareScreen Africa projects, including project management and digital creation, among others.
Gina Isaka
Gina is a dedicated nature lover and multilingual young woman who was born, raised, and educated in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and currently resides in Pretoria, South Africa. With a background in Nature Conservation, Gina has immersed herself in various conservation projects, including habitat restoration and wildlife protection. Driven by a desire to share knowledge and expand skill sets, she is part of a Pan-African conservation-focused student program that offers practical and career opportunities across the continent called ShareScreen Africa. She is a member of the LCA Youth Advisory Council. Since 2022, Gina has taken on the role of Technical Assistant in the francophone branch of ShareScreen Africa (SSA). This position enables her to pursue her passion for nature on a deeper level by facilitating skill development, sharing of knowledge and networking with like-minded individuals.
Courtney Jeftha
As a journalist at YAC, my focus is delving into environmental issues, conducting interviews with experts, and crafting compelling conservation stories. Through the art of storytelling, I strive to engage the public, policymakers, and donors, fostering support for LCA’s mission. My role involves unravelling ongoing projects, spotlighting challenges, and celebrating victories, serving as the voice amplifying our commitment to conservation. Utilising diverse media platforms, I aim to ensure our message reaches a broad audience, making me not just a journalist but a storyteller on a mission – weaving narratives to inspire understanding, engagement, and positive change in the realm of conservation.
Charles Luchagula
Charles Luchagula is a dedicated young conservationist currently serving as an Ecologist at Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), where he focuses on ecological monitoring and addressing conservation threats like habitat loss, poaching, and invasive species. His work contributes to preserving Tanzania’s rich biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of protected areas. Prior to TANAPA, Charles served as a wildlife research assistant and led a volunteer youth team to inspire future generations about conservation. Charles envisions a future where conservation and community development work together to address threats, ensuring long-term biodiversity conservation and resilience against climate change and human pressures. He strives to become a leader in African conservation, inspiring future generations to protect Tanzania’s and Africa’s natural heritage. Charles believes that Our greatest glory doesn’t lie in never failing but in rising every time we fall
Naomie Ntawutarama
Naomie is a community change initiator and young professional in conservation communications, with interest to use digital platforms to promote environmental issues knowledge and positively impact lives. She graduated from the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture with a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture as part of the second cohort.
She is a Project leader and Content Creator at the Leadership for Conservation Africa and ShareScreen Africa’s English and French platforms, working on communications, creative content and video editing.
Samantha Sithole
Samantha is an environmental scientist and advocate with a passion for biodiversity. She is a Zimbabwean national with a deep love for nature. Samantha holds a Doctorate in Environmental Science from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland. Her areas of expertise include biodiversity protection, youth engagement, and environmental governance, with a particular focus on the African context. Her commitment to environmental sustainability is founded on the conviction that education and inclusive stakeholder engagement are vital to addressing the planet’s most pressing ecological challenges. Samantha is committed to ensuring that the voices of young people and local communities are included in the discussion, with the aim of empowering the next generation to take ownership of their environmental future. In addition to her academic and advocacy work, Samantha is a creative individual who finds balance in nature. She enjoys spending time by the lake, swimming, painting, and listening to music, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty around her. Samantha is an optimistic individual with a keen interest in pursuing opportunities that will make a significant and lasting impact on environmental governance and sustainability.
Mngomezulu Londiwe
I was born in Ingwavuma, KwaZulu-Natal, a small, close-knit community where everyone cares for one another. Growing up surrounded by wildlife reserves, I often heard my friends discussing game reserves and wildlife. Despite this, I never had the opportunity to visit any of these places.
My curiosity about wildlife began to grow, sparking a passion for learning more. This newfound interest ultimately led me to study nature conservation, as I sought to uncover the wonders I had yet to experience. I earned my Diploma in Nature Conservation from Tshwane University and am currently pursuing my Advanced Diploma in Wildlife Management; I am dedicated in pursuing a career as a ranger to protect and preserve natural habitats.
Additionally, I am actively involved with Leadership for Conservation in Africa and ShareScreen Africa where my role is a technical assistant.
Prudence Nkomo
Prudence holds a Master’s in International Relations from the University of Pretoria, their research focuses on the dynamics between Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) and local communities. As a published author and storyteller, they are passionate about understanding the intricate social, ecological, and political dynamics that shape conservation efforts and community interactions. A passionate and aspiring social ecologist with a profound love for the moon.
Solethu Sitiki
Solethu Sitiki is a final year law student at the University of the Free State, with a deep passion for education and empowerment. In addition to her studies, she serves as a maths and English tutor for intermediate foundations kids and holds the role of SSA board secretary. Her dedication to uplifting the previously disadvantaged is evident in her commitment to incorporating her legal studies into this mission, aiming to educate and empower through law. Furthermore, she is also driven to introduce conservation knowledge to all, showing a well-rounded dedication to both social justice and environmental sustainability.