KELEBOGILE SIMULA

• Give us a brief background of yourself 

  Ms Kelebogile Simula is 24 years old and originates from Bobonong village. She is a young leader, volunteer; she enjoys working with young people helping them reach their highest potential in life. She has been appointed the Global Youth Ambassador for Education in Botswana and the World by the World at School Initiative that has been launched by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and UN Special Envoy for Education, Gordon Brown. She is currently persuing Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Cape Town, South Africa under the W.K Kellogg Southern African Scholarship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Botswana. As a young leader she spoke in workshops organized by the Forum on Women Engineers and girl scientists in Africa to give presentations on life skills and the importance of self- awareness in leadership.

   

  Ms Simula was selected as a team leader for the 2013 Young Leaders Ambassadors program by the Young Leaders Organization. In 2013 she was also nominated by the University of Botswana Foundation to participate in the Leadership and good governance lecture whose main guests were Dr Mo Ibrahim, Sir Ketumile Masire & Mr Gontebanye Mogae. Her role was to participate in the discussions, mainly on issues affecting African youths.

   

  She has worked as an intern at the Job Placement Unit, University of Botswana where she worked she promoted the employability of University of Botswana students and cultivated the spirit of volunteerism. She has also worked with the Health and Wellness department at University of Botswana, her roles included collaborating with organizations such as Kagisano Women Shelter Project and facilitating Gender based violence seminars. Ms Simula was the focal point for the United States of America AID (USAID) Shuga video seminar which was aimed at raising awareness about the risky lifestyle associated with HIV and AIDS among the youths. Ms Simula has two years’ experience working as a Peer Counselor at Careers and Counseling Centre. As a peer counselor she was involved in the Gamodubu Charitable Trust, and Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse projects.

   

  Ms Simula has been recognized for her commitment to the Social Work Profession in Botswana and as a consequence she was given training on steering quality leadership among Young Social Workers in Botswana. This was organized by the Botswana National Social Work Association in collaboration with Botswana National Youth Council in 2013. I have served as a volunteer for the for the Gaborone Youth -Botswana Red Cross Society.

   

  In 2011 Ms Simula was awarded a scholarship as one of the top performing students in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. This scholarship was based on academic merit and only the top 3 students were selected, of which I was one of them. Through this scholarship I got an opportunity to travel and study in Finland Europe as an exchange student for three months.

   

   

   

   

• You have been appointed as a Global Youth ambassador for Education in Botswana, can you tell us more about it?

There are 57 million girls and boys around the world who do not go to school. 250 million more are not learning. A World at School was founded to respond to this education emergency.  

A World at School is a digital mobilization and communication initiative harnessing the efforts and energies of the many NGOs, teachers’ organizations, faith groups, individuals and youth campaigners to make education a reality for all of the world’s children. The A World at School Youth Ambassador Programme is a global network of young people campaigning in their schools, communities and countries for action to get every child into school and learning. A World at School Youth Ambassadors are young leaders with the interest, passion and dedication to be part of the global education solution.

As a Global Youth Ambassador I aim is to represent the voices of children and youths in education issues around the World at high level discussions with UN agencies, Political leaders, and some other organizations that the World at School Initiative is partnering with.

• What else do you doI volunteer my services to the community and I do it because I want to make an impact in my country.  Below are my volunteer experiences; 

  2014- Member of United Nations Association- University of Cape Town Chapter-I am involved in implementing the Model United Nations. I am also a member of Young Women Professionals Society at the University of Cape Town, which is a club aimed at promoting leadership among Young African Women by exposing them to different opportunities. I am currently a member of the Organization of African Youths in Botswana.

   

  Ms Simula is a mentor. She is currently mentoring 4 social work students at the University of Botswana, who are high achievers and outstanding young leaders. I started mentoring when I was a student in 4^th year. One thing that opened my doors of opportunity was when I was selected to be a Peer Counselor and got the opportunity to be mentored. I realized that there are many students who just need some coaching and somebody who could hold them with a hand, in order for them to be successful.

   

• What drives you?

 I am driven by passion, perseverance and hard work. When I want to do something I follow it up until it is done, I am not a quitter, because I believe that quitters never win, and winners never quit. As long as I have the passion to do what I want to do that is enough for me to pursue that task. Above all let me acknowledge that I am a woman who has the fear of God, and I believe it is him who gives me the strength to keep pushing forward and achieving all that I have so far.

• What are your challenges and how do you normally overcome them The challenges that I have experienced as a young person was that I was coming from a socially disadvantaged background. I must say it was not easy to be where I am now. I always had to work hard and persevere despite my challenges, I wanted to be an example and show other young people that your past does not define your destiny and that as long as one is focused it is possible to achieve anything they want in life.

   

• What is it that you do to refresh your mindI go out with friends to watch movies in cinemas. I travel and explore the beauty of the Universe to refresh my mind. I enjoy going to church and spending time with my family, especially during special events like Christmas, and New Year, I would not exchange anything for such moments.

   

• Who inspires you I am inspired by three men, Thomas Edison, Robin Sharma and Dr Myles Munroe. Thomas Edison is a man who failed more than ten thousands time but still managed to turn his dreams into a reality. Robin Sharmais the author of a book “A leader who had no title” he talks about the fact that in order for one to lead, they do not need a title, and that everybody can lead wherever they are. I am also inspired by his lessons on success. I started reading Dr Myles Munroe when I was a student at the University of Botswana, he is a very powerful man who talks about the potential principle. He says every one of us has the potential to become great and successful, only when they can realize, maximize and unleash their full potential.

   

• How do you look at the futureI am optimistic about the future. For me the future is bright, I cannot say specifically what I will be but I know I am going somewhere. I envision a future where all children and young people will have an opportunity to be in school and use their education to improve their communities and the World.

   

• What advice can you give to young people and any thoughts that you would like to shareI will like to share this cote by Marrinne Williamson with young people “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous. You are a very powerful somebody, Your playing small does not serve the world. We are all born to shine, we were born to manifest that power within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others”

   

• Where can you be found and how do people get to contact youEmail: [email protected]  Contacts: (+27) 0814403986 and (+267) 74423633Skype :Kelsmla
  • Give us a brief background of yourself 

    Ms Kelebogile Simula is 24 years old and originates from Bobonong village. She is a young leader, volunteer; she enjoys working with young people helping them reach their highest potential in life. She has been appointed the Global Youth Ambassador for Education in Botswana and the World by the World at School Initiative that has been launched by the UN Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and UN Special Envoy for Education, Gordon Brown. She is currently persuing Masters in Clinical Social Work at the University of Cape Town, South Africa under the W.K Kellogg Southern African Scholarship. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from University of Botswana. As a young leader she spoke in workshops organized by the Forum on Women Engineers and girl scientists in Africa to give presentations on life skills and the importance of self- awareness in leadership.

     

    Ms Simula was selected as a team leader for the 2013 Young Leaders Ambassadors program by the Young Leaders Organization. In 2013 she was also nominated by the University of Botswana Foundation to participate in the Leadership and good governance lecture whose main guests were Dr Mo Ibrahim, Sir Ketumile Masire & Mr Gontebanye Mogae. Her role was to participate in the discussions, mainly on issues affecting African youths.

     

    She has worked as an intern at the Job Placement Unit, University of Botswana where she worked she promoted the employability of University of Botswana students and cultivated the spirit of volunteerism. She has also worked with the Health and Wellness department at University of Botswana, her roles included collaborating with organizations such as Kagisano Women Shelter Project and facilitating Gender based violence seminars. Ms Simula was the focal point for the United States of America AID (USAID) Shuga video seminar which was aimed at raising awareness about the risky lifestyle associated with HIV and AIDS among the youths. Ms Simula has two years’ experience working as a Peer Counselor at Careers and Counseling Centre. As a peer counselor she was involved in the Gamodubu Charitable Trust, and Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse projects.

     

    Ms Simula has been recognized for her commitment to the Social Work Profession in Botswana and as a consequence she was given training on steering quality leadership among Young Social Workers in Botswana. This was organized by the Botswana National Social Work Association in collaboration with Botswana National Youth Council in 2013. I have served as a volunteer for the for the Gaborone Youth -Botswana Red Cross Society.

     

    In 2011 Ms Simula was awarded a scholarship as one of the top performing students in the Department of Social Work at the University of Botswana. This scholarship was based on academic merit and only the top 3 students were selected, of which I was one of them. Through this scholarship I got an opportunity to travel and study in Finland Europe as an exchange student for three months.

     

  •  You have been appointed as a Global Youth ambassador for Education in Botswana, can you tell us more about it?

  There are 57 million girls and boys around the world who do not go to school. 250 million more are not learning. A World at School was founded to respond to this education emergency.  

   

  A World at School is a digital mobilization and communication initiative harnessing the efforts and energies of the many NGOs, teachers’ organizations, faith groups, individuals and youth campaigners to make education a reality for all of the world’s children. The A World at School Youth Ambassador Program is a global network of young people campaigning in their schools, communities and countries for action to get every child into school and learning. A World at School Youth Ambassadors are young leaders with the interest, passion and dedication to be part of the global education solution.

   

  As a Global Youth Ambassador I aim is to represent the voices of children and youths in education issues around the World at high level discussions with UN agencies, Political leaders, and some other organizations that the World at School Initiative is partnering with.

   

  • What else do you doI volunteer my services to the community and I do it because I want to make an impact in my country.  Below are my volunteer experiences; 

    2014- Member of United Nations Association- University of Cape Town Chapter-I am involved in implementing the Model United Nations. I am also a member of Young Women Professionals Society at the University of Cape Town, which is a club aimed at promoting leadership among Young African Women by exposing them to different opportunities. I am currently a member of the Organization of African Youths in Botswana.

     

    Ms Simula is a mentor. She is currently mentoring 4 social work students at the University of Botswana, who are high achievers and outstanding young leaders. I started mentoring when I was a student in 4^th year. One thing that opened my doors of opportunity was when I was selected to be a Peer Counselor and got the opportunity to be mentored. I realized that there are many students who just need some coaching and somebody who could hold them with a hand, in order for them to be successful.

     

  • What drives you?

   I am driven by passion, perseverance and hard work. When I want to do something I follow it up until it is done, I am not a quitter, because I believe that quitters never win, and winners never quit. As long as I have the passion to do what I want to do that is enough for me to pursue that task. Above all let me acknowledge that I am a woman who has the fear of God, and I believe it is him who gives me the strength to keep pushing forward and achieving all that I have so far.

   

  • What are your challenges and how do you normally overcome them The challenges that I have experienced as a young person was that I was coming from a socially disadvantaged background. I must say it was not easy to be where I am now. I always had to work hard and persevere despite my challenges, I wanted to be an example and show other young people that your past does not define your destiny and that as long as one is focused it is possible to achieve anything they want in life.

     

  • What is it that you do to refresh your mindI go out with friends to watch movies in cinemas. I travel and explore the beauty of the Universe to refresh my mind. I enjoy going to church and spending time with my family, especially during special events like Christmas, and New Year, I would not exchange anything for such moments.

     

  • Who inspires you I am inspired by three men, Thomas Edison, Robin Sharma and Dr Myles Munroe. Thomas Edison is a man who failed more than ten thousands time but still managed to turn his dreams into a reality. Robin Sharmais the author of a book “A leader who had no title” he talks about the fact that in order for one to lead, they do not need a title, and that everybody can lead wherever they are. I am also inspired by his lessons on success. I started reading Dr Myles Munroe when I was a student at the University of Botswana, he is a very powerful man who talks about the potential principle. He says every one of us has the potential to become great and successful, only when they can realize, maximize and unleash their full potential.

     

  • How do you look at the futureI am optimistic about the future. For me the future is bright, I cannot say specifically what I will be but I know I am going somewhere. I envision a future where all children and young people will have an opportunity to be in school and use their education to improve their communities and the World.

     

  • What advice can you give to young people and any thoughts that you would like to shareI will like to share this cote by Marrinne Williamson with young people “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frighten us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous. You are a very powerful somebody, Your playing small does not serve the world. We are all born to shine, we were born to manifest that power within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone. And as we let our light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others”

     

  • Where can you be found and how do people get to contact youEmail: [email protected]
  • Contacts: (+27) 0814403986  (+267) 74423633
  • Skype :Kelsmla
  • LinkedIn : Kelebogile Simula