From Argentina to Zimbabwe, Yanil Appiolaza opens her home to children
Yanil Appiolaza is among the semi-finalists for the Social Impact Award at The List Awards 2026, recognised for opening her home to children going through difficult family situations and supporting their families.
Originally from Argentina, Appiolaza and her husband, Simon Wolfe, have welcomed children into their home for days, months or even years, depending on their circumstances.
Appiolaza, 49, is the youngest of two daughters raised by a single mother. Her passion for serving God and her community began at a young age, eventually leading her to train in missions with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in 2007. It was during her missions training in Argentina that she met Wolfe, whom she married in 2010.
In a conversation with The List Awards by Identities Media TV, Appiolaza explained that caring for children was not something she and Wolfe had originally planned, but a path that developed through their experiences and the people they met along the way.
“We never planned to do what we do, or fall in love with this so deeply. But God knew it. We crossed paths with passionate people in this area like Sue A., David and Amy, and so many others. Those people ignited the passion that we didn’t know was there; it was there.” she said
The couple arrived in Zimbabwe in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people were leaving the country to return to their homes. For Appiolaza and her family, however, Zimbabwe became the beginning of a new chapter.
Their work involves welcoming children into their home for days, months or even years. Beyond caring for the children, Appiolaza and Wolfe seek to understand the hardship faced by their families, without judgement, while helping children reconnect with their roots and families.
For Appiolaza, one of the most meaningful aspects of the work is maintaining relationships with the children and their families even after they leave their home.
“We love those kids, and try to understand the hardship of their families, with no judgment. I could say to reunite kids with their roots and their families and being able to keep in contact with them, support their families in every way we can, and being called their ‘extended families’ – for us, that is an accomplishment.” she added
Being recognised by The List Awards is also meaningful to Appiolaza because she sees it as an opportunity to recognise people who have quietly opened their homes to children and supported families. Her work reflects a commitment to caring for children while remaining connected to their families and roots.
For Appiolaza and Wolfe, the work continues through welcoming children into their home, supporting their families and maintaining the relationships they have built with them.