In a world where the conversation around mental health is more critical than ever, there are individuals who not only lend their voices to the cause but take action to create lasting change. Meet Tanatswa Chikaura, a young leader with an unwavering passion for making a difference in the lives of those struggling with mental health challenges in the Zimbabwean communities through research, education, advocacy and sustainable interventions.

Discover how her organization is breaking down barriers, offering support, and creating a brighter, healthier future for countless individuals facing mental health challenges. Tanatswa Chikaura’s story is not about leadership; it's about transforming lives and proving that we all have the power to make an extraordinary impact. Prepare to be inspired and uplifted by the incredible journey of this young leader on a mission to shine a light on mental health in the Zimbabwean community.

What inspired you to start the Ndinewe Foundation and the story behind?

Tanatswa's journey to founding the Ndinewe Foundation began with a blog driven by a deep desire to shed light on the pressing issue of mental health within the Zimbabwean community. Mental health is a topic often overlooked and misunderstood in communities. It all began during her first year at university, where she noticed a disturbing trend of increasing suicide cases, particularly among young women, which led her to ask the question “Why”. Through her determination and background in psychology, she delved into research, seeking to understand the causes and risk factors of these cases. The blog was going well, but she came to the realization that writing alone couldn't help reach certain communities. This need to reach out to communities and spread mental health awareness led to the creation of the Ndinewe Foundation which became a powerful vehicle to extend her reach and advocate for these issues on a broader spectrum. The Foundation allowed her to “tap into spaces that she would not have been able to with a laptop”.

Why the name Ndinewe?

The choice of her foundation's name, Ndinewe, holds a profound message. In Shona, it translates to 'I am with you’, which serves as a powerful reminder that none of us need to walk this path alone. She highlights that it's easy to feel alone and misunderstood, but sometimes all we need are people around us to make us feel comfortable and listen to us so we can gather the strength to fight and continue fighting.

What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced when you launched, and how did you overcome them?

One of the primary challenges her organization faced was financial constraints. Running the organization without any funding posed significant hurdles. Even to this day, securing grants has proven difficult, which is particularly daunting for a youth-focused organisation. There are trust issues with fund allocation to a youth organisation and bank requirements further complicate matters. And opening a bank account without guaranteeing incoming funds also added to the challenges.

Additionally, she had to work hard to gain the attention of the communities that they worked in. She mentions that is a challenge to earn the attention of people and convey your message because most of the time, people want to know what it is they are getting from this. Tanatswa emphasizes that this process differs from posting on a blog tailored to a specific audience because you already have your targeted audience and people who want to read what you are writing about. 

How are you balancing your education and non-profit simultaneously?

I asked Tanatwa about her approach to balancing the demands of pursuing a Ph.D. while overseeing a nonprofit organization situated in a different country. Her response was straight to the point: it's undeniably challenging. She said the past year has been particularly difficult as she had to redefine her normal routine.

She wanted to disrupt the narrative that people had before she had moved for her education. People would say statements such as “So the Ndinewe Foundation is over?” and “ So you are going to do your education, what’s going to happen to Ndinewe?”. The question was never, “What measures have you put in order to succeed? What opportunities will you get there in terms of collaboration and putting it on the international map?” She felt there was a lot of negativity but drew so much encouragement from her supportive family and the board.

Through all this experience, she learnt that “If you have a vision and if you want to see it through, nothing can stop that vision”. 

How do you measure the impact of your foundation? Could you tell us a gratifying moment that has happened since you started it?

Measuring the impact of the Ndinewe Foundation involves various key strategies, with mental health education being one of its central pillars. The foundation employs social media as a tool for awareness, tracking engagement and interactions with its content. Additionally, the founder mentioned that the organization gauges their impact through in-person activities, assessing the number of young individuals they engage with and the level of support they provide. 

Remarkably, they've successfully connected with over 500 people across six communities and reached thousands more online, all achieved without external funding. Tanatswa mentioned how moments like this are deeply gratifying. Last year, she created a mental health booklet for the Ndinewe Foundation, which addresses mental health, its risk factors, and protective measures. The booklet received endorsement from the Allied Health Practitioners Council, Zimbabwe's healthcare safeguarding body, and was officially launched in July 2022. This milestone, producing and gaining official approval for vital mental health education materials, holds a special place in her heart. It signifies not only the creation of valuable resources but also their validation for the wider Zimbabwean population, marking a profoundly meaningful moment in the foundation's journey. 

What tips and advice do you have for individuals who are looking to start or are already running an organization?

When it comes to starting or managing an organization, Tanatswa offers valuable advice. For those embarking on the journey, her first tip is simple but powerful: take that initial step. Delaying due to concerns about finances or team size can keep you stagnant. Instead, prioritize clarity and a clear vision for your mission. For those already on the path, she highlights the importance of self-belief in a world that often challenges us. 

Determination, respect for your team, and honing leadership skills, including empathy and active listening, are the keys she points out to success. She encourages these situations to remember that your organization’s legacy should extend beyond your leadership, so nurture other leaders. Another tip that Tanatsawa mentions is that building a robust support system is crucial, and it's perfectly acceptable to rest and breathe when needed.

Tanatswa's personal lesson from her recent relocation emphasizes the primacy of mental health; it's okay to prioritize self-care and take a timeout when necessary.