Joan Mahamba

15 years old, attending Haven of Peace Academy, Tanzania. Joan was awarded a Beacon Scholarship in May 2025.

Joan previously attended Academic International Secondary School, Tanzania where she was described as having a positive mindset and an enthusiasm for learning new concepts. She maintained an A-grade average and ranked first in her class in 2024.

Joan has held active roles in the Debate and Literature Clubs at school. She played football for her House and achieved second place with the Girls’ Football Club in team finals. Outside school she enjoys playing tennis and is passionate about the theatre.

Popular with her peers and showing promising leadership qualities, Joan was Head Girl in primary school and most recently took the role of Deputy Minister of Finance in the secondary school government. She is an excellent public speaker, supporting other leaders to maintain direction and the order of debate activities.

In addition to volunteering for two hours per week at Sunday School, Joan donates groceries, toiletries and school equipment to Babu and Bibi Orphanage where she is a regular visitor.