UPG Viewer

21 Years Old

Tanzania

Female

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Abbykauthar Cheny Kigoda, I’m 21-years-old, a law student at Ruaha Catholic University, I’m in my fourth year and expecting to graduate in 2025. In 2020, I took a significant step towards making a difference in youth health, education and development by founding the LENDING AHAND FOUNDATION (LAHF), with support from your mother. My journey so far reflects a blend of legal studies and a passion for community service, particularly in the health and education sector. LAHF we were able to actively work so as to improve the lives of young people in Tanzania, drawing on both through my academic background and personal dedication to making a lasting impact in my community.
I’m deeply committed to improve youth health outcomes in Tanzania, particularly through your work with the Lending A Hand Foundation (LAHF). As my journey reflects a passion for addressing health challenges faced by young people, especially in the areas of HIV prevention, treatment, and awareness. Through my previous role at my high school, where I coordinated a peer education program, by empowering adolescents and increasing awareness about health, education, environment and other youth initiatives.
My hands full-on experience working with peer educators and addressing stigma has shaped me understanding of how to foster sustainable health programs. And now I’m focused on expanding impact by engaging with broader initiatives like the PEPFAR Youth Congress in Zanzibar, where I was able to meet with many great youth with full of passion just like me who are willing to make a big change and impact in Tanzania, Also I was able to seek learn from other health leaders, explore innovative strategies, and enhance them all to LAHF’s ability to create lasting change for Tanzanian youth.

My relevant strengths are communication skills, delegator, leadership, patience, positive an d critical thinker

I being a strong delegator has likely helped me to achieve a lot in with Lending A Hand Foundation (LAHF) and in my peer education efforts. By effectively delegating tasks, and attending the PEPFAR youth summit. I have empowered my team members to take ownership of their roles, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork. My skills allow me to focus on strategic decision-making and ensure that each aspect of a project receives proper attention from the most capable individuals.
For example, in the PEPFAR youth summit (HIV peer education program), I was honored to delegating responsibilities and to be trained by peer educators, and I was able to reach more students and expand the program’s impact. Similarly, in running LAHF, delegating various tasks to team members likely allowed the foundation to manage multiple initiatives effectively, ensuring that each project was handled efficiently while giving more time to oversee and guide the bigger picture.
This approach I used ensured that all projects are completed with the combined efforts and expertise of a team, leading to better outcomes and sustainable success. Does this resonate with your experience?

Yes I have acted as volunteer in various community service. Through this experiences I learned the importance of empathy, value of collaboration in achieving shared goals and active listening. Volunteering has taught me to perspective of the universe and has strengthened my problem solving skills in real life actions and communication skills. From most of it I have learned that the sense of fulfillment that comes from contributing to the society leads to positive changes in other people’s life.

Undergraduate: I have completed an undergraduate degree

A sustainability-related project I could lead within my community or through the Lending A Hand Foundation (LAHF) is to focus on addressing environmental challenges while also benefiting youth. One idea could be implementing a youth-led recycling and waste management initiative.
Here’s why it could be impactful:
1.Waste management is a growing concern in Tanzania, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Creating awareness and developing practical solutions for recycling can reduce pollution and promote environmental responsibility.
2.Youth empowerment: Engaging young people in sustainability teaches valuable skills, promotes leadership, and gives them a sense of responsibility toward their environment.
3.Economic opportunities: Recycling and waste management can be linked to entrepreneurship by turning waste into reusable products or creating income-generating activities, such as upcycling or composting for agricultural use.
4.Community engagement: This project would foster collaboration between local authorities, schools, and community members, promoting environmental stewardship.
This project would align well with LAHF’s to focus on youth empowerment while also contributing to long-term environmental sustainability in my community.

Leading a youth-led recycling and waste management project in your community through LAHF is a great idea, but there are some challenges you might encounter. Here’s a breakdown of potential challenges and how you could overcome them:
1.Limited Awareness and Interest
Many people may not understand the importance of recycling or be motivated to participate.
Overcome it: Through awareness campaigns: Organize workshops, community clean-ups, and talks to educate people about waste management, its benefits, and environmental conservation. Also, Involve influencers: Work with local community leaders, schools, and religious groups to advocate for the cause and build trust.
2.Infrastructure and Resources
There will be a lack of proper recycling facilities or resources to manage the waste.
Overcome it: we shall partner with local organizations: Collaborate with local governments, NGOs, or businesses that have recycling facilities or are involved in sustainability. And Usage of low-cost innovations
3.Cultural Attitudes Toward Waste
In some communities, there may be cultural or traditional practices that conflict with modern waste management practices.
Overcome it: Culturally sensitive approaches: Through Engaging with elders and community leaders early on to get their input and adapt the project to align with local customs and beliefs. And education through youth to act as ambassadors in their own homes, encouraging behavior change from within the community.
4.Financial Limitations
Securing enough funding for equipment, operations, and sustainability efforts can be difficult.
Overcome it: But through fundraising and grants we shall Seek for funding from environmental organizations, local businesses, or international grants focused on sustainability.
5.Government Regulations and Bureaucracy
Navigating regulations or obtaining necessary permits from local authorities may delay the project.
Overcome it: Though will Engage local authorities early: Approach local officials to gain their support, and ensure you are aware of any relevant regulations. And advocate for policy changes: Work with other environmental groups to push for supportive policies or reforms related to waste management.
By foresee these challenges and being active in addressing them, I’ll be able to lead a successful and impactful project.

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