Do you remember what it was like to be a child? Every day was an opportunity to learn something new, experience adventure and dream big. In the eyes of kids, even the most banal things fascinate, and the seemingly impossible seems possible. This enthusiastic outlook on life is precious and it is important to be able to keep it for many years, continuing to “wear” it as an eternal accessory. The secret is to always maintain a positive, open and entrepreneurial attitude, but to do this it is important to have the means to best express yourself and your potential, seize every opportunity and create new ones, overcoming all limitations.
In fact, without a dream there is no change, but without hope there is no dream. And this is exactly the topic that we explored together with Noella Kursaris Musunka: mother, model and activist. Noella is the founder Malaika Project, an association that aims to give Congolese girls and boys the opportunity to learn and look to the future with hope. Together with her and her two children, 12-year-old James and 8-year-old Kara, we talked about revolutionary power Back to school how they posed with the new ones sunglasses and glasses from Versace Children.
It’s great news in the house Versace glasses which presents its first youth collection, abandoning the Brand’s iconic style in a delightful mini-me version ready to frame the faces of the youngest fans.
What word would you describe yourself?
“Builder”. I feel that with tenacity and perseverance I have achieved who I am and my personal and professional success. I am an active and purposeful person, I am stimulated and attracted by change. I built my modeling career and then my association from scratch. And with the latter, I contribute daily to educating a new generation of leaders for my country.
Tell us about the Malaika project: what prompted you to make your dream come true?
I found Malayan in 2007 in Kalebuk, a village in the river. Democratic Republic of the Congo where I was born. This is a non-profit organization that wants to offer all young women the opportunity to receive education and health care at the highest level. Malayan means “angel” in Swahili and, in fact, the purpose of the association is to give these girls wings so they can fly and be free, saving themselves a disadvantage. Malayan in gives each day a concrete chance at redemption they would not otherwise have by providing them with all the skills they need to be competitive in the world of work and ready for today’s challenges. We educate them by passing on values such as commitment, empowerment and thinking outside the box. But our school is not just a school of leadership: students acquire comprehensive skills, from basic to more specific, from culinary education to information technology.
And how does this project fit in with your career in fashion?
My modeling career complements what I do. Malayan. This gave me the opportunity to work with many fashion brands as a partner for make positive messages resonate. All the advertising campaigns in which I participate are selected and carried out for a specific purpose, in accordance with my beliefs and values.
What were the main difficulties and the greatest satisfactions received in recent years with Malaika?
This is a constant challenge. Despite ongoing work in support of the girls and the entire Calebuk community, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what’s to come. It’s very difficult and the fundraising issues have clearly been exacerbated with Covid. But the satisfaction is daily, it is enough to see how students enter the door of the classroom every day, grow, develop ambitions and dreams. For those who have neither electricity nor a bed at home, Malayan it represents the only possibility of redemption. Seeing the happiness and gratitude on their faces is truly touching, as is the realization that every time I go to one of the 28 wells built by the association to fill the water shortage in the country, I am making a concrete impact. Per Malayan a very important year is about to begin! The Foundation will soon celebrate its 15th anniversary next summer will proclaim its first girls graduating from school. I am so excited and proud!
So what power does education have for you?
Education defined who I am today. This is what really pushed me to push the boundaries, to give everything to realize my aspirations and take control of my life. Mission Malayan is: empowering new generations through education. At the age of five, I lost my father and left the Congo to live with relatives, since one of my mothers did not have the means to keep me with her. I returned at the age of 18 with a promise to dedicate myself to change and the social redemption of my country.
Looking at the Malaika project, we can say that back to school able to change the world?
Absolutely yes! It can be seen in Calebuk, where Malayan it really changed lives. Our students are between the ages of 5 and 18, but the contribution Malayan it goes much further, also affecting their families, who can participate in community center activities and thus learn to read, write, use a computer, sew.
September is the month back to school for everyone… are you kids excited to be back at school?
Yes, we can’t wait to see our friends again! (Editor’s note: they admitted to us that he didn’t miss the early wake-up call at all.)
What fundamental teaching have you passed on to your children?
One of them is kind. We live in a world where kindness is not taken for granted and is often underestimated, so I wanted to convey a calling to care for others and help in any way I can. Kara and James make me very proud in that sense: both of them and their friends have created small organizations that support those most in need by providing them with food and clothing. I have always involved my children in what I do so that they can understand its importance and be inspired by it. I have taken them with me many times to the Congo since they were born, and I want them to know their origin well, feeling at home not only in London, but also in Calebuk.
What other important lessons have you learned from your mom?
James: Never give up and always look on the bright side of things!
Expensive: Follow our hobbies and always look people in the eye when they talk!
If you had to choose your favorite look and glasses from the Versace Children collection, what would you choose?
Expensive: This is a maxi sweatshirt and fuchsia sunglasses. When I grow up, I want to be a business woman and these clothes make me feel that way!
James: Jacket and sweatshirt combination with black sunglasses. I really like the street style of this outfit and I feel completely comfortable in it.
And you, Noella, what Versace Children clothes and frames do you prefer and why do you like the Versace style?
Do I have to choose just one?… I fell in love with all the outfits Kara and James wore today. They are so alive and full of exquisite details that they best express their individuality without neglecting comfort. But my favorite thing is definitely glasses, reimagining a classic. frames Versace Sunglasses & Glasses with their iconic design from the 90s in a new playful and elegantly casual “mini” style.
I have always been a fan of this brand, its bold style and its values such as the importance of family, inclusion and freedom of expression. Medusa for me Versace represents a symbol of strength, self-confidence and courage.
Last question, Noella, by wearing these glasses, did you get the opportunity to see the future, what would you like to see for yourself and your children?
I want to see my children happy and fulfilled, whatever path they choose. I want them to grow up to be honest, loyal and generous people. And if I have to think well of all my children, my “third daughter” Malayan. I would like it to grow and help more people. Malayan now it has become a real ecosystem, which aims to be widespread in all areas of society and in every territory. We plant seeds every day in order to reap the ripest fruits in the future.
Get ready for Back to School with the new Versace eyewear collection for kids.
Thanks to Lodovico Polgliaga House Museum, Santa Maria del Monte. Varese
Source: Elle