Having overcome barriers to education with CAMFED’s support—and now serving as powerful role models in their communities—they bring a wealth of lived experience and expertise to the role. Their selection recognizes their unwavering commitment to improving education outcomes for the next generation, especially girls from the most disadvantaged communities in rural Africa, where only 5% complete secondary school.
Cleopatra and Shamim follow in the footsteps of their CAMFED Association sister, Eliza Chikoti from Malawi, who served as a GPE Youth Leader in 2023-4. In their roles they will continue amplifying rural young women’s voices on the global stage and helping to shape a more equitable future for education worldwide.
“I’m aiming to use my experience and knowledge to advocate for change and dismantle barriers to education both in Zambia and around the world.”
Cleopatra is a passionate advocate for education and sustainable development, drawing from her firsthand experience of the challenges girls in rural, underserved communities face in their education. With CAMFED’s support, Cleopatra completed school and went on to study Public Administration at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA). She has gained respect from her community as a dedicated member of the CAMFED Association, serving as a valuable role model and ‘big sister’ to vulnerable girls at risk of dropping out of school. She is now driving transformation in her community as an Agriculture Guide, sharing her sustainable agriculture knowledge with local farmers and inspiring the next generation of community leaders.
Read Cleopatra’s profile on the GPE website
“CAMFED gave me wings. And now that I can fly, I want others to fly too. I want others to have that taste of how it is up there.”
Having completed secondary school in Malawi with CAMFED’s support, Shamim went on to study Psychology at the United States International University in Kenya. Together with fellow sisters in the CAMFED Association of women leaders who are studying in Nairobi, she formed the Kenya chapter of the Association. She is excelling as an established leader, having been elected Treasurer of the chapter, and serving as Project Manager of a community giveback initiative. As a passionate girls’ education and mental health advocate, she leads ICT skills training, as well as mentorship sessions to support girls and young women in their transition into secure and fulfilling jobs.
Read Shamim's profile on the GPE website
My experiences as a Learner Guide and student representative at the East African Community Women’s Intergenerational Dialog have given me the confidence to speak boldly and lead effectively.
Education changed my life. I’m now a role model in my community, encouraging others to become great people who can challenge poverty.
YAJU HAN $500
Tabatha Wehmeyer $10.9
Catherine Thieme $158
Marlo Kitch $211
Kym Mcculley $10.9
Tom Weimer $26.6
Renee Alexander $58.2
Renee Alexander $42.4
Alexia Bjarkan $10
Yeison Calderon $52.9
Pierce Gendron $42.4
Kate Smith $52.9
Laurie Calvin $10.9
Kate Smith $10.9
Ty and Bobby Johannsen $158
TIME100 Most Influential People
CAMFED CEO, Angeline Murimirwa, named to TIME’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people.
