She may be just 23 years old, but Laura Kahari is at the helm of a humanitarian organization advocating for the protection of vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. She is also carving her path in a journey that has seen her empower startups with strategies to achieve sustainable growth. As the founder of Beyond Change for Children, Laura is central to the fight to protect children from all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse. Child abuse occurs in every country, even where children should be most protected—at home, in schools, and online. Violence against children can be physical, emotional, or sexual, and in many cases, children suffer at the hands of those they trust.
No matter the circumstance, every child has the right to be protected from violence, exploitation, and abuse. Beyond Change for Children champions this cause. Protecting children means safeguarding their physical, mental, and psychosocial needs to secure their futures.
While Zimbabwe has made significant progress on many child protection issues—including the recent adoption of legislation criminalizing child marriage, improved birth registration, and the rollout of a child-friendly justice system—more still needs to be done.
It begins with the basics: many children in Zimbabwe are not registered at birth. Over half of all children remain unregistered, making them invisible and particularly vulnerable to abuse. Non-registered children are often denied access to basic social services. Several forms of abuse are prevalent in Zimbabwe, with almost two out of every three children experiencing some form of violent discipline.
Laura believes she plays an important role through her organization in ensuring that children have the opportunity to live in environments free from harm.
“As the founder of Beyond Change for Children, I am driven by an unwavering commitment to creating a better world for future generations. Although balancing my organizational responsibilities with academic pursuits has presented challenges, I remain resolute in my mission.”
“We create client portfolios by designing and developing visual representations of a client’s brand, showcasing their products, services, or achievements. This portfolio can include case studies, testimonials, project showcases, and brand storytelling. By presenting these accomplishments clearly and compellingly, we help establish credibility, enhance visibility, and facilitate effective communication.”
“By creating a portfolio of client accounts, I help clients showcase their achievements, establish credibility, and communicate their value proposition to potential customers, partners, or investors. This, in turn, helps clients differentiate themselves from competitors, establish thought leadership, and drive business growth.”
“Our organization relies on the support of volunteers who share our vision and values. As we continue to grow, we welcome like-minded individuals to join our team. Beyond Change for Children is dedicated to supporting not only children but also addressing current issues affecting both men and women. We strive to maintain a neutral and inclusive stance, focusing on promoting positive change and empowerment.”
Over the next five years, Laura is eager to drive Beyond Change for Children to achieve the following objectives:
- Expand its reach by establishing partnerships with at least 10 new organizations and extending support services to an additional 5,000 children and families.
- Amplify the organization’s impact by developing and implementing a comprehensive mentorship program to guide at least 500 young people in their educational and professional journeys.
- Stay at the forefront of technological advancements, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance programs and streamline operations.
- Recruit and retain a diverse team of passionate and skilled professionals, providing ongoing training and development opportunities to ensure staff excel in their roles.
- Diversify funding streams, securing at least $200,000 in annual funding to support programs and operations.
- Establish Beyond Change for Children as a leading voice in advocacy, raising awareness of issues affecting vulnerable children and communities, and pushing for policy changes that support their well-being.
- Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, assess impact, and make data-driven decisions to optimize programs and services.
“I am excited to see the impact Beyond Change for Children will have in the coming years. By achieving these ambitious goals, we will be one step closer to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
A multi-talented achiever, Laura also works for Creative Journey, a company that helps entrepreneurs establish their brands, enhance credibility, and facilitate communication with clients.
Born in 2001, Laura’s educational journey began at Alheit Boarding High School, where she completed her O Levels. She then moved to Filchrist Hill Boarding High School, passing her A Levels with distinction.
“I furthered my studies at the University of Zimbabwe, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Multimedia Production, while also exploring Business Management. My passion for humanitarian work was nurtured at a young age, largely due to my grandmother’s influence. She often took me to community-based programs, sparking a deep desire to make a positive impact.”
Now, seeking to enhance her academic credentials, Laura plans to pursue a Master’s degree starting in 2025. She is determined to continue pushing the boundaries of the opportunities life has presented to her. Laura is transforming lives at Beyond Change for Children and Creative Journey—but there is still so much more to achieve. Her story has only just begun.