THE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
ATHENA & TELEMACHUS ALUMNI
DIMESSI MWAHUKA
Dimessi Bukasa Wa Mwahuka is a 20-year-old Congolese student with a strong passion for business management, education, leadership, and community empowerment. Born in Kipushi, Democratic Republic of Congo, he is currently an applicant to the University of Pretoria. Dimessi aspires to become a young African leader and project manager, and ultimately to establish a language and leadership center that will support young people in accessing global opportunities and building a stronger future.
Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings!
I come from Kipushi in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a French-speaking country rich in culture, diversity, and resilience. Growing up, I learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and community values from an early age. My childhood experiences shaped my passion for leadership, education, communication, and helping others. Coming from a French-speaking environment, learning and communicating in English became both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. Over time, I developed a strong interest in English communication, leadership development, volunteering, and youth empowerment. Today, I actively engage in teaching English, mentoring activities, leadership programs, and community initiatives aimed at inspiring young people to believe in their potential and contribute positively to society.
Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?
Some of the major challenges in my society include youth unemployment, poverty, limited access to quality education, inequality, gender-based violence, and limited opportunities for young people to fully develop their talents and skills.
Another challenge is the language barrier that many young people face when trying to access international opportunities, scholarships, and global networks, especially in a French-speaking environment where English exposure may be limited. Despite these challenges, many young people remain ambitious, creative, and determined to create positive change in their communities.
Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been overcoming the language barrier. Since I come from a French-speaking country, expressing myself confidently in English was initially very difficult. I struggled with confidence, public speaking, and communication in international environments.
However, I refused to let this limitation define my future. I committed myself to continuous learning through reading, practicing English daily, participating in discussions, presentations, leadership programs, and teaching English to others. Over time, these experiences strengthened my confidence and communication skills.
I have also faced challenges related to limited opportunities and resources, but mentorship, self-discipline, resilience, and a strong desire to grow have helped me continue moving forward despite obstacles.
Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?
A mentor plays an important role by providing guidance, encouragement, wisdom, and perspective. Mentorship helps young people grow faster by learning from the experiences of others.
For me, mentorship has helped me build confidence, develop leadership and communication skills, and better understand my personal goals and purpose. A mentor not only gives advice but also inspires, challenges, and motivates someone to become a better version of themselves.
Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?
One important lesson life has taught me is that growth begins outside of our comfort zone. Challenges are not meant to stop us but to help us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I have learned that consistency, humility, patience, and discipline are often more powerful than talent alone. Even small daily efforts can create significant long-term impact.
Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives!
ACADEMY FOR COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING CENTRE
Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?
Women in my country continue to face challenges such as gender-based violence, unequal access to education and employment opportunities, discrimination, poverty, and social inequality.
However, many organizations, activists, mentors, and community leaders are working to promote gender equality through education, advocacy, mentorship programs, awareness campaigns, and women empowerment initiatives. More young people are also becoming involved in conversations about inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for women and girls.
Q: Share with us a motto you live by.
God first.
Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do?
If I had the necessary resources, I would establish a youth empowerment and leadership center focused on education, English communication, entrepreneurship, leadership development, technology, and community innovation.
The center would provide mentorship, training programs, scholarships, career guidance, and practical opportunities for young people to develop their talents and create solutions for their communities. I would particularly focus on helping disadvantaged youth gain confidence, skills, and access to opportunities that can transform their lives.
Q: How is technology utilised for social impact in your country? For example are there mobile apps that support gender equality, inclusion, understanding of cultures?
Technology is increasingly being used in my country to support education, communication, entrepreneurship, awareness campaigns, and youth empowerment. Social media platforms, online learning tools, and digital communication channels are helping young people access knowledge, connect with mentors, and engage in important social discussions.
Technology is also being used by organizations to raise awareness about gender equality, human rights, health, education, and community development. Although challenges such as internet access and digital inequality still exist, technology continues to create opportunities for learning and positive social impact.
Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Global Thinkers Forum mentoring programme. I believe mentorship, leadership, education, and collaboration are powerful tools for transforming individuals and communities.
As a young person from a French-speaking country, I hope to continue growing, learning, inspiring others, and contributing positively both locally and globally. I look forward to connecting with people from different cultures, sharing experiences, and becoming part of meaningful change in the world.