Shirah Z Mansaray

From my experiences with humanitarian work in northern Uganda, I am passionate about exploring how energy and technology interventions can be applied to complexities encountered whilst delivering health services in Low and Middle Income Countries in Africa. I have always been enthralled by the adventures of humanitarian workers and four years ago, I founded and became the Chief Executive Officer of an international charity called I am Somebody’s Child Soldier (IAMSCS). IAMSCS works to empower war-affected individuals and populations through improved mental wellbeing and strengthened community inclusion. IAMSCS does this through its current strategic goal of working with local communities in northern Uganda to enhance the lives of formerly abducted children. IAMSCS specific objectives include: improving the mental health of up to 1000 war affected individuals; facilitating the creation of an environment that is conducive to the sustainable reintegration of war affected individuals; and supporting local government in northern Uganda to provide a clear prioritisation in addressing the needs of war affected individuals. The charity has raised over £400,000 since it began and has supported 195 war affected individuals with access to sustainable livelihood initiatives and educational programs.

In addition to my experience with IAMSCS, I have a broad public policy-related background in public finance, procurement and legal research. Working as an adjudicator at the Financial Ombudsman Service enabled me to understand issues ranging from legality to fairness and recompense. Furthermore, during a traineeship at the Economic Affairs Committee of the Council of Europe Strasbourg, I gained a greater understanding of the complex relationship between law and monetary policy. Meeting the President of the European Parliament at the time, Jerzy Buzek, drove my interest in public policy and I produced a report containing analyses and reflections on the financial crisis and the role development policies played in response. The report was referenced in the committee’s budget recommendations during that financial year.
My goals and aspirations currently encompass influencing conversions surrounding health innovation in Africa and I wish to ensure that IAMSCS acts as a vehicle for successful analysis and implementation of health policy in Uganda and global health equity initiatives in Africa. I believe it is important to edify citizens and government institutions on innovative approaches to policy challenges.