Helena Nangombe is an advocate who has worked with HIV and adolescent girls and young women related issues for more than 10 years.  She founded the Young Women Empowerment Network in 2014, which aims to improve living conditions for young women and girls infected and affected by HIV in Namibia. She was also part of 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 real, and lasting change for women and girls. Helena was the Research and Technical Coordinator for UNAIDS #BeTeamWomen Initiative, coordinating over 11 global Facebook Live discussions and covering a diversity 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 goal of the Bright Future After School Program was to improve the quality of life and reduce HIV and AIDS prevalence rate among orphans and vulnerable children in Ongwediva, Namibia. 39 caregivers and 200 girls and young woman participated in the program to learn about childcare, mental health, and HIV prevention. The project made an impact in the community by providing educational materials for all students which improved the overall school experience. Additionally, many participants reached out to counseling and antenatal services after the project concluded.

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Helena was a participant in the IVLP Project Youth and Civic Engagement, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360.

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 others young leaders."

U.S. Communities Visited Virtually

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

Country: Namibia

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