Joyce is passionate about driving social impact. She holds a diploma in Purchasing and Supply from the University of Zambia, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement Science at ZCAS university. She also has a certificate in psychosocial counselling and 3yrs experience in sexual reproductive health, financial literacy and re-entry policy. She currently works in the Finance Department in the Northern Province Provincial Administration.

“I believe in empowering youth with knowledge to drive their own change, and am eager to leverage my skill on the Bakashana Board to assist and foster accountability.”

Mr. Mubemba is currently the Provincial Coordinator for the US Peace Corps in the Northern Province. He began his long coordination with Bakashana Basambilile in 2008, when he served as a Peace Corps Language trainer, and taught Co-founder and ED Claire Albrecht and CFO Justin Hostetter how to speak IciBemba. Since that time, Mr. Mubemba has used his training and experience as a professional musician and facilitator to empower and enliven both the girls on our program, and our staff. Mr. Mubemba is often found behind the microphone, lifting up the collective through traditional folk songs, and words of inspiration and affirmation. He lives in Kasama with his wife and children, and is a frequent and welcomed presence at the Bakashana Offices.

Mrs. Nsofu is a registered nurse with a passion for Women’s Health. She has been serving her community by providing health services for over 25 years. She is an expert in many fields within the nursing profession, including family planning, infant care, and counselling and care for those living with HIV/AIDs. She serves as a trusted advisor, teacher, and mentor for all Bakashana programs involving health – including the Health Center, the empowerment programs, and our health outreach. Her expertise and qualifications in the health field provide invaluable insight and guidance to our organization.

Lubona has worked with education in the Northern Province for the last seven years. She has many professional and personal pursuits that keep her very busy. As a graduate Laura Girls Secondary School (of one of the schools that we work most closely with), she can relate with the girls of our program in many ways. As an entrepreneur and fashionista, the girls look up to her as a mentor and role model. Her confidence, joyful spirit, and positive attitude bring so much to the Bakashana team.

Ivy Briget Kapole is the Head Teacher of Musa Secondary School, and has worked with the Zambian Ministry of Education for over 35 years. As a mother and “born teacher”, her passion for, and commitment to, young women’s education have served as foundations for her career and life. While juggling school administration, Mrs. Kapole is also serving as the Provincial Coordinator for the Solon School Construction Initiative, which has constructed more than 40 schools in Northern Province alone. She has worked with Bakashana for many years, and serves as trusted and valued advisor for all things cultural and educational.

Christopher Chileshe is the Regional School Coordinator for a UK NGO called PEAS (Promoting Equality in African Schools). After working with the Zambian Ministry of Education for over 35 years, Mr. Chileshe moved to PEAS – where he coordinated the construction and administration of the first PEAS school in the Northern Province. Mr. Chileshe is also a co-founder of Bakashana Basambilile, and he plays an essential role in the formation and vision of this organization. His passion for education, his humble beginnings, and his role as a male ally for women in a male-dominated society bring balance and perspective to our program. Mr. Chileshe holds a Masters in Human Resource, a BA in education, and a teacher’s certificate. He has been sought out by various development organizations including the Peace Corps and Volunteer Services Organization (VSO) to develop training models for volunteers in Zambia and Cambodia. Mr. Chileshe carries a strong presence in the Kasama community, and the Bakashana Organization.

Thelma is a passionate advocate for the well-being and empowerment of adolescents, with a particular focus on addressing Sexual Reproductive and Health Rights (SRHR) and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). With a background in Education and Public Health, she has dedicated 5 years to supporting young people in navigating the complexities of their formative years. As a staunch believer in the importance of safe spaces and education, Thelma has worked tirelessly to create environments where adolescents feel heard, respected, and equipped with the tools to confront challenges head-on.

Dennis Chulu serves as the Complaints and Investigations Officer with the National Human Rights Commission of Zambia. He has more than 11 years’ professional experience in human rights protection, legal analysis, investigations, and community engagement. His work is grounded in promoting accountability, safeguarding vulnerable groups, and strengthening access to justice, particularly at community level.

“I am motivated to serve on the Board of Bakashana and Balumendo Basambilile by a strong commitment to youth empowerment, social justice, and the protection of women, girls and boys from violence and harmful practices. Through board service, I seek to contribute strategic oversight, ethical leadership, and practical experience to advance the organisation’s mission and long term impact.”

Peter Mwansa has over eight years of experience working with the Bakashana organization, including one year as a board member. He served as President of the GLOWBFC (Girls Leading Our World and Boys for Change) Club, and now advises the Bakashana team from the perspective of a service beneficiary. He also served as Student President of Kasama School of Nursing. Beyond leadership roles, he is a public speaker, poet, and debater, with a strong passion for youth empowerment, advocacy, and organizational development.

Helen Nsunge De Jonghe began her career in education as a teacher of English as a Second Language and French as a Foreign Language after pursuing a double major in education at the University of Zambia. From 1995 to 2008 she worked as a classroom teacher at three different schools. In 2008, she enrolled for a post-graduate diploma course in Project Management with Cavendish University in Lusaka. Upon completing these studies, she did voluntary work at Project Concern International on a project that supported infra structural development of community schools and the continuing professional development of their teachers. In April 2009 she joined Room to Read Zambia where she worked as a Reading Room Project Manager. She worked with teachers, pupils and community members to open libraries in schools and promoted literacy and reading habits. In May 2011, she joined Peace Corps as a Program and Training Specialist on the Rural Education Development Project. In February 2012, she became the Project Manager. She has a great passion for education recognizing all the benefits it brings forth. She loves travelling, cross-cultural exchange and reading.