20 questions with Noëlla Coursaris Musunka
Noëlla Coursaris Musunka is a Congolese-Cypriot philanthropist, an international model as well as founder and CEO of Malaika, a non-profit grassroots organisation that empowers Congolese girls and their communities through education and health programmes.
1. Favourite book?
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
2. Beach or bush?
I used to love the beach, but now that we have a dog, we love the bush.
3. What will our children’s generation just not understand?
Why we didn’t act on climate change sooner.
4. Career highlight?
The day we welcomed our first students to Malaika’s school. In 2007, I founded a non-profit organisation that empowers a community through free education and health programmes. From that day, we have grown to provide a holistic education to 370 girls, as well as bringing education and health to their community through a community centre, 20 wells and agriculture.
5. Favourite film?
It’s hard to pick a favourite, but I’ve been watching the series Line of Duty and really enjoying it.
6. If you could read one person’s mind, whose would it be?
Michelle Obama – she’s led an interesting, powerful and inspiring life.
7. Biggest bugbear?
Girls’ education being overlooked. Worldwide, there are 130 million girls who are missing out on school.
8. What secret talent do you have?
I love putting programmes, projects and people together. I’m an action maker every day.
9. The last person I texted was…
A member of my team! We’re in contact all the time.
10. The text said…
“I’d like to speak with the 4th secondary and the 3rd secondary this week.” (Every week I speak with at least one of the classrooms.)
11. Your hero?
The students at Malaika. They are so dedicated to their education although their lives are full of challenges.
12. Your villain?
Preventable illnesses, such as malaria.
13. Death-row meal?
Fufu. I love African food.
14. Most likely thing you did to arrive on death row?
Offer to be there in place of someone I love!
15. Worst job you ever had?
I had to do a modelling job outside in the rain.
16. What will break the internet?
More female presidents being elected in Africa!
17. Quote to live by?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
18. If I were President I would create the Ministry of…
Giving Back.
19. If I had a 3D printer, I would print...
A private plane that would take me to Congo tomorrow, as I haven’t been for over a year.
20. What have you gotten away with?
Working voluntarily for Malaika. I give a lot of time that others perhaps could not manage to do without pay.