Noella Cousaris Musunka is a Congolese/Cypriot philanthropist, international model, humanitarian and the founder of Malaika, a grassroots nonprofit that empowers girls and their communities in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her soft-spoken manner, beautiful smile and infectious laugh belie a strong, focused and passionate woman on a mission. After finishing her university studies, Noella entered the world of modeling. As her career took off and she took her talents to the global stage, Noella uncovered a platform through which to share her passion for human rights.
Fiercely proud of her African heritage, her determination to help improve the lives of Africa’s youth has made her an international advocate for girls’ education.Her mission is Model with Meaning, using her profile to raise awareness for causes she believes in as a mother, a feminist, and a believer in the intrinsic human right to education, health, and opportunity.
Noella’s story begins when she was just 5 years old and her father tragically passed away. Her mother had neither the education nor the financial resources to support herself and her family. “The problem in Africa is that women’s education is not a priority. When my father died, my mother didn’t have enough education to earn money, so she couldn’t take care of me. She gave me away because she wanted to give me a chance.” Mere months after losing her father, Noella lost her mother, too, as she was sent to live with relatives in Belgium and later in Switzerland.
Noella’s childhood was a tough one and she had little to no contact with her mother. neither birthdays nor holidays celebrated for many years, but she was allowed to pursue her education, and here she excelled, attaining a degree in business. Noella’s own words about this time period in her life: ““When you have nothing, you know that if you fall there’s no one to pick you up. So, you have to stand. I resolved very early on that I would study and work and be independent.”
EMPOWERING GIRLS