Sasha Ndebele, winner of the Social Impact Award, is a dedicated youth leader from Matobo District, Zimbabwe, renowned for her significant contributions to reducing teenage pregnancies and empowering young people in her community. Through her initiatives, Sasha disseminates Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information and services at schools and within the community, enabling youth to make informed decisions about their health and futures.
In addition to health education, Sasha provides training on income-generating activities, such as making detergents and Tsotso stoves. These programs equip young people with valuable skills, fostering economic independence. The Tsotso stove initiative is particularly impactful in Matobo District, part of Region 5 one of the driest areas in Zimbabwe. By reducing the need to cut down trees for fuel, Sasha’s efforts also address environmental challenges exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.
Receiving The List Award has been a profound milestone for Sasha. “I’m truly humbled to receive this award,” she shares. “It was my first time receiving the award, and I am very grateful for the recognition of my work as a dedicated community impact maker.” This honor not only validates her efforts but also fuels her passion to continue making a positive difference.
Sasha finds the most rewarding aspect of her work in “witnessing the tangible change that my work brings to people’s lives.” She views the award as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and collaboration, inspiring her to push boundaries and innovate solutions to complex challenges.
Her journey has taught her valuable lessons, which she shares with aspiring changemakers: “Be authentic, compassionate, and courageous. Listening to the needs of your community is key, and be willing to take risks to drive change.” This perspective emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community engagement.
Sasha’s experience with The List Awards was both positive and insightful. “I loved the clarity and simplicity of the nomination form, which made it easy to submit my application,” she notes, appreciating the transparency of the voting process and the engagement of the jury, which added credibility to the awards. She suggests adding more categories in future editions to recognize a wider range of contributions.
Looking ahead, Sasha envisions programs that provide ongoing support and resources to alumni, such as training and funding. She is eager to serve as a mentor or coach to future nominees, especially those in rural areas, sharing her experiences and expertise to empower others.
Through her unwavering dedication and innovative initiatives, Sasha Ndebele is not just addressing critical health and environmental issues in Matobo District; she is also inspiring the next generation of leaders. Her work exemplifies the potential for positive change when youth are empowered to take action, proving that collective efforts can create meaningful social impact.
Hard working lady ever