Announcing Greenheart’s Fall 2024 Global Impact Grant Winners
Greenheart believes in connecting people and planet through fair trade, personal development, environmentalism, and volunteerism. Our cultural exchange programs help create global leaders by building mutual understanding and fostering diplomacy. Greenheart further encourages our alumni to give back to their communities through our Global Impact Grant.
A Greenheart Global Impact Grant is a financial award of up to $2,000 given to exemplary members of the Greenheart community. It provides current participants and alumni with the opportunity to create, improve, or maintain a community-focused project abroad or at home. As the Greenheart alumni network continues to expand, more and more of our participants are working towards an environmentally sustainable, socially just, and peaceful world.
Please join us in congratulating our FOUR Fall 2024 Awardees:
- Abdalla Zedi // Kenya
- Aiya Yerkebek // Kazakhstan
- Saadati A. Khatib // Tanzania
- Victor Eniola // Nigeria
Abdalla Zedi is a 24-year-old leader and changemaker from Kenya with a strong background in community development and education. A graduate of KCA University with a Major in Business Information Technology and CPA certification, Abdalla combines his technical expertise with a passion for empowering others. He serves as the Programs Director of the Saliheen Foundation and the Nairobi representative for Allies, working to uplift communities through innovative initiatives. Also a skilled graphic designer and social media manager, Abdalla is dedicated to creating impactful, sustainable projects that address educational gaps and inspire positive change in society. Abdalla participated in Greenheart’s Summer Work Travel program in 2024.
His Project: Bridging Minds Initiative
Abdalla aims to support educational gaps between private and public schools in Kenya. By providing additional resources for students, his project will foster educational equity, support local learning environments, empower future leaders, and promote holistic development. Bridging Minds Initiative will continue to train peer mentors in the community and reach local schools, organizations, and college students looking to make a sustainable difference in the communities.
Aiya Yerkebek is am a FLEX alumna of 2023-2024, and I was placed in Harrisville, New York by the Greenheart Organization. I had an incredible experience, which has inspired me to give back to my community. I am currently the City Representative for Shymkent, and I have already organized more than five events. Now I am excited to launch a new project, Ömirge Däm (Flavor for Life).
Her Project: Healthy Cooking Masterclass for Children with Special Needs
Aiya plans to help support the city of Shymkent, Kazakhstan with nutritious cooking classes for community members with special needs. Being the third most popular city in Kazakhstan, her project aims to give opportunities to local children and their families by bridging the nutritional education gap, providing meals, and dedicating time to sharing healthy recipes.
Saadati Ahmed Khatib is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology. Throughout his studies, Saadati actively volunteered with various organizations, including Zanzibar Volunteers for Environmental Conservation, where he contributed to important environmental initiatives. He also completed internships at the Zanzibar Agriculture Research Institute and the Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Agency, gaining valuable hands-on experience in various biological fields. Saadati was on Greenheart’s High School Exchange program in 2016.
His Project: Bee farming for Mangrove Protection
Saadati hopes to expand and strengthen the existing bee farming initiative in the community of Unguja Ukuu in Zanzibar-Tanzania. By offering jobs through bee farming, supplying modern hives and protective gear, and supporting the community with food resources, his project will continue to reduce pressure on the local mangrove forests and support the locals through engagement.
Victor Eniola is from Saki, a town in Oyo State, Nigeria. I graduated from Sharon Rose Secondary School, Saki, where I studied in the arts, and I am a recent graduate of Political Science, at Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. This is where I conducted extensive research on the farmer-herder crises in Nigeria, exploring their effects on food security and possible government interventions. I graduated in the top 1% of my class and actively contributed to the University community through volunteerism and leadership roles. Victor was a participant in Greenheart’s Summer Work Travel program in 2023-2024
His Project: Community Clean Project
Provide sustainable sources of clean water to the residents of Saki West Local Government through the installation of a borehole. This will address the lack of clean water and promote overall health in the community. By training and educating the community, this sustainable project will be monitored, evaluated, and continuously worked on to ensure the water source stays fresh.
Congratulations! We can’t wait to see how their projects progress.
Got a project in mind? Earn up to $2,000 for an opportunity to create, improve, or maintain a community-focused project abroad or at home. Follow Greenheart on Facebook and Instagram to see when the next application window opens.
Click here if you’d like to donate to help Greenheart fund Global Impact Grants like these.
Thank you!