Hanisani Nleya / Zimbabwe

Meet Hanisani Nleya, a changemaker from Plumtree, Zimbabwe, whose journey from financial hardship to community impact is rooted in resilience and vision.

As one of ten children, Hanisani completed high school with excellent results—but couldn’t afford to continue her education. For four years, she applied for scholarships and jobs, facing constant rejection. But rather than giving up, she chose to act.

“I started mentoring young people in my community—sharing what I knew about sexual and reproductive health. It gave me purpose at a time I felt lost.”

This season of waiting became a period of awakening. Hanisani launched a youth club and began developing a magazine focused on agriculture—highlighting it as a powerful career path for young people in rural communities.

In 2020, her dedication paid off when she received the Patoranking Foundation Scholarship to study Global Challenges at the African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda. There, she discovered the link between youth empowerment and sustainable development.

“So many young people are discouraged from farming because they think it’s unprofitable. But agriculture has the potential to transform our communities. I want to help change that narrative.”

Today, Hanisani’s mentorship work continues to grow. Her youth club has become a space where young people connect, learn, and gain confidence. Her draft magazine is already creating conversations around farming, and some youth have even started small agricultural projects because of it.

“I want my peers to see farming not as a last resort, but as a smart, sustainable choice.”

Driven by values of resilience, hope, and empowerment, Hanisani is building a future where rural youth have the tools and belief to succeed.

What’s Next?

Hanisani is working to expand her mentorship programs, develop her agriculture magazine further, and continue inspiring young people to embrace vocational skills—especially in farming.

“Start with what you have. That’s how change begins.”

📩 Want to support Hanisani’s work or collaborate? Contact the Patoranking Foundation.