Philile Linda Shongwe

2024-2025 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Headshot of Philile Linda Shongwe, 2024 Obama Foundation Africa Leader

Founder and Executive Director, Govuka

Kenya

Philile Linda Shongwe is the founder and executive director of Govuka, a nonprofit that trains and mentors peer educators in high schools to co-generate a data-informed sexual health curriculum aimed at reducing new HIV infections and early and unintended adolescent pregnancies in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Through a peer-driven curriculum, Govuka’s goal is to reach and educate 20,000 girls between the ages of 11 to 19 by 2026 about the risks associated with intergenerational relationships. An experienced development consultant, Philile has generated evidence to help NGOs and governments in Zambia, Malawi, and Senegal improve the social impact of their programs. She is dedicated to promoting youth civic engagement through her work and envisions an Eswatini where young people have access to information and support to reach their full potential.

YOUR SUPPORT TURNS HOPE INTO ACTION

Donate to the Barack Obama Foundation.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

More 2024 Africa Leaders

More about the Leaders Program

A headshot of a young woman smiling at the camera. The young woman has olive skin and brown eyes. She has dark curly hair that hits her shoulders and is wearing a blue denim shirt.

Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

Learn More
A person wearing a hoodie with the hood up is shown in profile, crouching down to light a candle. She is seen in profile in the glow of candlelight coming from dozens of votives surrounded by assorted flowers. A set of small votive candles are arranged in the shape of a heart near the person’s foot. Six heart-shaped red balloons float above the vigil.
  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water terrace to honor Ann Dunham will feature Maya Lin sculpture
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
Learn more
placeholder
  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Copenhagen Democracy Summit
Learn more
President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.
  • Watch
  • Barack Obama
Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
Learn more