Edem Effiong

Edem’s interest is in developing policy at the local, national and international level in public health and violence prevention. After receiving her degree in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and a Certificate in Health Communication, she began her professional career as a broadcast journalist. She developed the first Rotary Peace project in Nigeria, “the Calaban Peace Project,” and trained over 300 educators in the AIDS Control and Prevention Project. Prior to becoming a Peace Fellow, Edem worked as Program Head at Nigeria Youth AIDS Program, and volunteered her skills in program and curriculum design to Reach Services, an organization that emphasizes conflict management and resolution. Edem hopes that the Rotary World Peace Fellowship will better position her for a leadership role in youth health and development in Nigeria. Area of Interest/Research: Edem’s interest is in developing policy at the local, national and international level in public health and violence prevention. Internship: IPAS, Chapel Hill & Nigeria

The Rotary Center remembers Edem Effiong. Shortly after arriving in Chapel Hill from her home country of Nigeria, Edem was diagnosed with a rare type of leukemia. Despite recurrent trips to the hospital and many medical obstacles, Edem completed her master’s degree from UNC’s School of Public Health, in addition to making presentations and winning awards around the US. With her family so far away, her own personal strength was championed and sustained through the thoughtfulness and kindness of her Rotary family and friends. She will be missed both for her steadfast determination and her personal strength of character.