Kudakwashe Whitney Foya
Kudakwashe is a youth empowerment and engagement enthusiast, with 7 years of experience in the educational and professional development space as a teacher, mentor, researcher, and co-founder. She started teaching at 19 years old . This translated into mentoring social impact entities at events like the MIT Grand Hackathon, and Merge Policython, mentoring 15+ impact projects solving global challenges in health and education. Subsequently, she mentored as a Peace First Regional Ambassador, mentoring “The book campaign project” which provided textbooks and library access to students in Gwanda. Consequently, coordinating the first in-person SSA Peace First Impact room session. She co-founded a social impact entity called The LA Initiative which works to democratise educational and professional development opportunities and has now engaged 800 youths, mentors, and speakers. As a Say What Research Fellow, a program supported by the Swedish embassy, she researched inclusive education for students of determination in times of systemic disruptions like COVID-19, to inform policies that govern inclusive education during times of systemic disruptions like that caused COVID-19. Ultimately, receiving recognition as a social impact leader from Donors for Africa as an African Women In Development Awardee, The Emy Africa wards as a nominee for the Youth Change Maker Award, The Varkey Foundation as a Global Student Prize Finalist, The Diana Award, UNICEF Innocenti, Aspire Institute, and Crisis UK amongst other forms of recognition.
Why did you want to be involved in the YAL project as YAB?
The YAB offers a unique platform to co-create youth-friendly funding opportunities and capacity-building initiatives that empower and connect young people to drive sustainable, impact-focused initiatives. It also serves as a testament to recognising young people as key drivers of change and decision-makers in shaping the future.
How do you see the future of the AU-EU Labs?
I envision the Labs setting a significant precedent for practical youth empowerment, engagement, and collaboration across select countries in the AU and EU. This will be realised through power-shifting grants, capacity-building initiatives, policy advocacy, and opportunities for meaningful decision-making.
