My name is Lone Liberal; I am 18 years old and I live with my younger sisters, Andreina and Kiana, and my mother, Julia. Our house is in the Cabaia neighbourhood, in the city of Lobito.

If you look at the map of Angola, you will see that it is on the coast, very close to Benguela and more than 500 kilometres south of Luanda, the capital of my country. I am in the last year of an intermediate cycle of studies in the area of health to become a nursing assistant.

I am closely linked to a youth leadership centre called Ondjango Yapongololi. It is an initiative of the Vincentian Lay Missionaries (MISEVI) in my city. I learned about the centre through my cousin                                                                                                                                                            Hidianeth and had to wait until I reached the minimum age to enrol.

When I turned 16, I signed up for the English course and started participating in other activities, such as chess, which I enjoyed a lot and developed as a new hobby. I have also participated in some tournaments and, although I have won some prizes, I am still improving my technique and moves.

Another passion I acquired in Ondjango Yapongololi was that of reading. We have a library and I love reading and learning from books. It was very important for me to participate in training courses on personal growth and leadership, which helped me very much to know myself, manage my emotions, resolve conflicts, relate to others and in my self-discipline… I am always interested in learning more and putting what I learn into practice in daily life.

I currently volunteer at the centre, teaching chess, helping in the library and assisting the kids who come to us at the reception. I am enrolled in the advanced computer course and I do not miss other training courses that help me continue to grow at all levels. As an Angolan, I am aware of the difficulties we face, especially in the field of health. Many deaths could be avoided if there was prevention and good control of diseases.

That’s why I want excellence and dedication to be my hallmarks when I become a health professional, I want to give my best and always be ready to learn. As a young woman, I dream of creating a female community of young women and teenagers where we can share experiences, grow together, help each other… I think of a motivational and safe space where we can carry out activities to help other young women, to raise awareness of female empowerment, our rights and duties, the great role we have in relation to our society and our own lives.

I am young and very confident about the opportunities I will find in the future. Every day of my life is a day full of knowledge and experiences. All this work makes me aware of how much I am growing in so many ways. I feel grateful and I am committed to sharing with other young people what I am receiving. (Illustration: Francis Marín)