About Us
Our story begins with belief.
The legacy of apartheid continues to shape education in Namibia and South Africa, leaving deep inequalities in access,
quality, and opportunity. Despite the official end of apartheid in the early 1990s, many schools serving historically disadvantaged populations and rural communities remain under-resourced, overcrowded, and lacking in basic infrastructure.
These disparities—rooted in decades of intentional underfunding and segregation—impact everything from teacher quality to student outcomes, creating cycles of disadvantage that persist today. Addressing these structural gaps is essential to building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Southern Africa’s youth.
Our Vision
A Southern Africa led by capable, ethical, and
compassionate leaders—where every young
person has the tools and opportunity to shape a
just, prosperous, and sustainable future for their
communities and countries.
Our Mission
To educate and empower young leaders across Southern Africa by providing access to quality post-secondary education, mentorship, and leadership development.
Our Values
Get to know our culture
Empowerment
We believe in unlocking the potential
within every young person, giving them
the tools, confidence, and
opportunities to lead change in their
own communities.
Integrity
We lead with honesty, accountability,
and respect — ensuring that every partnership and program reflects our
commitment to ethical leadership and
trust.
Collaboration
We know lasting impact happens
together, so we work hand-in-hand
with schools, communities, and
partners to create shared progress and
sustainable growth.
We focus on high-potential students who might otherwise lack access to higher education, mentorship, and pathways to leadership. Many come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with limited exposure to strong foundational programs. Our goal is to broaden their skills, expand their vision, and empower them to pursue ambitious goals—then provide the support and resources to turn those aspirations into reality.
Meet Our Team
Our team brings together a diverse blend of professionals, including native Namibians, members of the African diaspora, and a former U.S. Peace Corps volunteer to Namibia. This combination of lived experience and global perspective strengthens our work and deepens our impact.
Below is an overview of our leadership team, including the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Director of Operations.
Elron Awase
Engineer, Entrepreneur, MYO Board, Native Namibian, NF Co-Founder & President, NF BOD
Sandra K. Johnson, Ph.D.
Tech CEO,
Independent Board Director, former IBM CTO, NF Co-Founder & Vice-President, NF BOD
Rob Myres
MYO Founder, Tech Consultant, Emerging Namibia, Author, Former US Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia, NF Co-Founder & Secretary, NF BOD
Leonard Hango
Cisco Technology Leader, former IBMer,
Native Namibian, Co-Founder & Treasurer, NF BOD
Felicia Hall
Rooted in Reality Podcast Host,
Paralegal, NF Director of Operations