Omphile, 16, Botswana

Basic need(s):

Health, Education

Project:

“Join Hands Against Malaria”

Malaria, a dangerous and deadly disease spread by mosquitoes, has become an epidemic in Botswana. Omphile, dreaming of a malaria-free Botswana by 2016, seeks to prevent malaria and raise awareness about malaria prevention through “Join Hands Against Malaria” (J.H.A.M.), which distributes mosquito nets to small villages, since they often do not know about the dangers of malaria nor how to prevent it. She also works to spread information about malaria to those small villages because most do not have radios or televisions to learn about the disease and its dangers. Omphile hopes to acquire the help of important media figures, like her idol Oprah Winfrey, to build awareness about her project and malaria prevention.

Photo: Benjamin Quinto