Advocacy doesn't begin with Microphones and Media
UN Volunteer with UNICEF talks about adolescent health in Namibia
Meet Melissa Tuhafifa Nghisheefa, a UN Volunteer Adolescent Health Programme Associate (HIV/AIDS) in Namibia.
Melissa’s story began—not with a bang, but with a silence. It was a silence that wrapped itself around every conversation about youth, health, and growing up. A silence so deep that it became dangerous. Melissa grew up watching girls vanish into early motherhood, their childhoods traded for responsibilities they never chose. They didn’t understand their bodies—only that change came swiftly and without explanation. Boys were burdened with expectations but given no guidance. And speaking about HIV/AIDS was taboo, wrapped in shame.
Questioning the silence
Melissa was different. She began to question the silence. Why didn’t anyone talk about adolescent health, HIV/AIDS, and the role of society? Why were the most important truths the ones most hidden? Her story is not just about what she endured, but about what she dared to change.
"I wanted to disrupt that narrative with knowledge."
The Youth Advocates
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Division of People and Culture collaborated with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in 2024 to launch the UNV Youth Advocates programme. It aims to give young people, including youth with disabilities, a one-year professional experience through a volunteer assignment to work with UNICEF in protecting children’s rights. Through this initiative, 20 Youth Advocates became champions of children's rights in their home countries, which included Bhutan, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Kenya, Liberia, Moldova, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, São Tomé, Senegal, Thailand, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe. As the one-year anniversary of the programme approaches, we spotlight Melissa, a UN Volunteer Youth Advocate with UNICEF in Namibia, who boldly states: 'Advocacy doesn't begin with microphones and media!'
“I advocate not just in spaces of influence, but in the mindsets of young people.”
Stigma to strength
Melissa was inspired by what she could not unsee or unhear—the pain and confusion of young people around her, especially those who were marginalized due to social issues beyond their control, whether it was disability, poverty, health status, or simply the circumstances of their birthplace. UNICEF's Early Childhood Development centers and schools, adolescent-friendly health corners in clinics, and youth development clubs in society—these are places mostly frequented by her and that's where her passion lies. Melissa believes that speaking about adolescents' healthcare and confronting stigma about young people living with HIV/AIDS is necessary. However, her biggest challenge is breaking resistance with respect.
“Some days, I walk into communities where people ask, Why is she talking about this? But I always leave those spaces with at least one girl standing taller, one boy asking braver questions, one elder saying, Thank you for coming.”
Carrying UNICEF's mission through volunteering
Melissa supports HIV and adolescent health programmes by working with communities, improving referral systems, and ensuring young people know where to go and how to access the help they need. She gathers feedback and documents field experiences for annual reporting, and to improve programmes designed for young people. Melissa also champions inclusive, youth-friendly services and helps reduce stigma by sharing accurate, timely information that encourages adolescents to make informed choices. Melissa encourages young people to learn boldly, unlearn bravely, and relearn constantly. She urges them to stay informed, stay grounded, and never let fear derail their purpose. Her message is powerful: “Be the answer to the silent prayer of a child who didn’t know help was coming.” She carries forward UNICEF’s mission with heart and purpose.
“I use the knowledge I’ve been graced to gain to impact on the way they think, the choices they make, and the kind of humans they are becoming, and help them build strong character rooted in the spirit of humanity so they can serve with excellence in whatever field they find themselves in.”
One of Melissa’s biggest challenges has been moving youth from simply showing up to truly engaging. In many spaces, presence is easy—but trust, time, and consistency are what spark real reflection and leadership. Yet the payoff is powerful. For Melissa, nothing beats seeing young people leave her workshops inspired—starting peer-led projects, teaming up with NGOs or government, or simply standing more confidently in their truth. That, to her, is top-tier impact. Her advice for young people who are interested in becoming advocates:
"If you feel deep down that your generation deserves better—trust that feeling and act on it.”
“Advocacy doesn’t start with microphones or media, it starts with noticing pain and deciding not to look away.”
Footnotes
This editorial content is co-created by UNV/UNICEF and is the first story of this series. Stay tuned for more content from the Youth Advocates.
