SINGO Gomes may only be 16 years old, but the Grade 9 learner at Cabatana Private School at Oshakati already has the makings of a great leader.
He is the Oshakati junior mayor, head-boy at his school and serves as an executive secretary at his church.
Gomes remains humble in his ambitions; all he wants is to find ways to improve the well-being of his fellow youth in this town.
He was born in Uige, Angola to Adao Miguel Singo and Estrela Gomes and has six siblings.
Speaking to Nampa recently, Gomes described himself as protective, humble, honest, loving and always faces whatever comes before him with a positive attitude. In short, he says his ‘interior’ makes him unique, hinting that such qualities might have been what got him elected as junior mayor.
He was elected the Oshakati junior mayor last year and will complete his two-year term in April 2017.
When he is not studying, watching news or taking part in sports, the young man spends his spare time at church, which he describes as his refuge.
He says he looks up to his pastor, Jose Jorge Mendes, who is a doctor. Gomes aspires to one day become a respected and recognised cardiologist who would contribute to Africa’s development.
His position as junior mayor enables him to get more involved in solving the town’s social problems such as teenage pregnancy, drug and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence as well as bullying at schools.
“So far, my council members and I have successfully organised a spelling bee contest for learners, which enabled them to sharpen their minds in this aspect,” he said.
Gomes has also helped in the collection and donation of clothes and shoes to a centre for orphans and vulnerable children at the Okandjengedi informal settlement at Oshakati.
He said more activities of this nature will be organised soon.
“Such events build up my self-confidence and tests and strengthens my leadership abilities.”
Gomes wants to inspire the youth of Oshakati by creating more educational activities that will lead them to success.
“My plan as a junior mayor is to complete all the projects that my team has set out for this year. Such projects involve a tree-planting campaign at nine schools at Oshakati, a ‘feed the elderly’ project, as well as other projects that are still to be discussed,” he noted.
Asked what he thinks makes a good leader, the young man said “a humble person, a guiding light to his followers, and one who transmits words of hope and wisdom to his followers even if there seems to be no way out.”
He also said he is motivated by his desire to achieve all his objectives in life, especially that of helping people around him.
Gomes urged his fellow youths to always try impacting positively on the lives of everyone they come into contact with.
-Nampa
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