Vanessa Metou-Mouini Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Vanessa Metou has over seven years’experience in activism and civic engagement in various fields, including education, socio-culture, and youth rights. Currently, she serves as the National Youth Council’s secretary in charge of legal affairs, where she is committed to defending the rights of the Congolese youth. Passionate about youth issues, she shows her leadership by reaching out and engaging with students and underprivileged youth in her community on a daily basis. She volunteers at the International University of Brazzaville, a private local university where she is chairperson of the students, and mentors younger students in the subject of law. Vanessa holds a master’s degree in International Criminal Law and is a member of the Technical Council of University. Once back in the Congo, she plans to create a nongovernmental youth organization with a focus on the rights of young people.
Dominic Boima Freetown, Sierra Leone Dominic Boima has over eight years of experience in working with women, children, and the youth. Currently, Dominic is the national child rights governance coordinator for Save the Children Sierra Leone, where he ensures the strategic development of the program, providing leadership and ensuring program quality and effective capacity of his team, and influencing national policies on children’s rights in Sierra Leone. He previously worked with the International Rescue Committee Sierra Leone as the women’s protection and empowerment program manager, supporting women’s networks and providing training on Sierra Leone’s gender laws. He also worked with the youth on reproductive health and life skills. Dominic holds an advanced diploma in Project Planning and Management from Cambridge International College and a certificate in Community Development Studies from the University of Makeni. After the Fellowship he plans to advance his personal charity and continue his work for deprived children.