Al-Qalam 
By Al-Qalam Reporter
Afsa Makangila, a 15-year-old pupil from Dr AD Lazarus Secondary School in Durban, has proven that age is no barrier to making a difference, not only for herself but for others as well.
Through the Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa’s (MYM) Ambassadors For Change programme, Afsa has not only empowered herself but has also taken the lead in inspiring others in her community. Afsa’s journey with MYM began in 2023 when a group of young ambassadors delivered an inspiring talk at the Islamic Guidance Centre in Durban.
It was during this talk that Afsa first realised the powerful platform MYM provides to young people, encouraging them to voice their opinions, address community issues, and make a real difference.
“I was inspired by the platform they had to share their thoughts and ideas. It not only empowered them but also positively impacted our community and resonated with teenagers like myself,” she told Al-Qalam.
Her excitement was palpable when she heard MYM was looking for new ambassadors, and she didn’t hesitate to apply. Since joining the programme in 2024, Afsa’s involvement has been nothing short of transformative.
The programme has equipped her with the confidence to challenge injustices, speak out on important issues, and actively participate in initiatives that help others.
“MYM has given me the confidence and opportunity to get involved and make a meaningful difference,” Afsa said.
One of her notable achievements through the Ambassadors For Change programme was leading a successful sandwich drive to support the community.
She and her team, after completing the MYM’s leadership training, recognised the importance of not just organising events but ensuring they were impactful.
Her sandwich drives, held recently, aimed to distribute sandwiches to those in need and it was an eye-opening experience for her. “During our first drive, we were more focused on funding and preparation, but we realised we hadn’t properly identified where the sandwiches were needed most.”
However, the lessons learned from this first effort were invaluable. “My team took note of the key locations where our help was most needed, making our second sandwich drive more efficient and impactful. Through the generosity of Islamic Guidance, who funded and provided the kitchen facilities, we were able to carry out both drives successfully,” The second drive proved to be even more successful when she and her team efficiently distributed sandwiches in areas where people were most in need.
Afsa has been involved in a range of MYM Ambassadors For Change initiatives, including a Women’s Day assembly at her school and events focusing on building self-confidence for young Muslimahs.
Arun Naicker, facilitator of the Ambassadors For Change programme, expressed immense pride in Afsa’s growth and the programme’s positive impact.
“It’s amazing to see how much these youngsters are able to achieve through the programme. They have such tenacity and resilience. They went out, sourced the funding, and made this sandwich drive a success. It motivates me to keep doing what I do and to continue training the next generation of leaders to do great things,” said Naicker.
For Afsa, her journey with MYM is just beginning. “I’m excited to continue my journey with MYM and contribute to its initiatives. It has made my life more meaningful,” she said.
She is committed to using her voice and her platform to continue advocating for change while also pursuing her academic interests and personal growth. With the support of MYM and the lessons she’s learned through her involvement, Afsa says she’s poised to become a leader in her community, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Her advice to anyone willing to carry out similar activities in their communities is to first find people who share the same interests. “Working with a group of people who share a common goal will always be better than working alone. Most importantly, make sure your intention is to please Allah and help those in need, because it really does make a difference in how well you carry out your initiatives,” Afsa added.
