Rokunda Lukoto
and Global Changemakers, integrating solution-oriented leadership into education and community programming Successfully transitioned to teaching in the United Kingdom, adapting to a new education system within six months. Contributed to whole-school literacy strategies and implemented global best practices in a UK-based teaching context Mentors First, my grandparents – they were community people. I did not understand that at the time, but their influence, work and informal philanthropic efforts have inspired me to give back to the community in their names, something I am working on. My mentor, Dr Anza Tshipetane, founder and CEO of BYLI, is a force. Her ability to tackle, innovate and implement is commendable. She is also such an overachiever, and for me that is all we need to survive, prove ourselves and reach beyond our limits. These people have not only exposed me to opportunities, but they have also ensured that I keep growing in ambition and continue to achieve massive goals.
“I MATCH POTENTIAL WITH OPPORTUNITY.”
Akash Nundlal Appama
Profile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rokunda-lukoto-a824 3314b/?originalSubdomain=za Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rokunda.lukoto.58/ Rokunda Lukoto, 24, is a global educator grounded in community. A science teacher, youth leader and literacy advocate, he connects classrooms from Ngovhela, Thohoyandou to the UK – where he teaches science, mentors learners and leads literacy programmes designed to spark curiosity and confidence. Rokunda holds a BSc in biochemistry and microbiology from the University of Venda, alongside qualifications in education and entrepreneurship from Stadio University, UJ and Wits. At Thomas Clarkson Academy in the UK, he facilitates a weekly science club, champions literacy within his department, and serves as a form tutor – using each role to inspire ambition and academic excellence. He is the founder of Robust Worx, a youth innovation hub informed by his leadership in the Bright Young Leaders Initiative, through which he has connected rural learners to global platforms like the London International Youth Science Forum. His advisory roles span Nal’iBali, Literacy for Life, the Black Teachers Association UK, and the G20 Youth Committee on Education. For Rokunda, education is more than content – it’s a vehicle for identity, innovation and transformation. Qualifications Certificates completed: PFCE, Stadio University – Entrepreneurial Development, University of Johannesburg (JBS) Achievements Founded Robust Worx, a South African-based company designed to deliver impactful work in education, youth development and innovation Served as project manager and director at Bright Young Leaders Initiative (BYLI), a youth-focused NGO Facilitated student participation in the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) Applied design thinking and project management strategies through work with YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative)
“IT ALWAYS SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE UNTIL IT’S DONE”– NELSON MANDELA
Profile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akash-appama- 1b04b9139/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akash.nundlal. appama/ Akash Nundlal Appama, 28, is shaping South Africa’s just energy transition with purpose and innovation. As a sustainable development and grants officer at Seriti Institute, he leads climate and development programmes that empower residents while advancing national policy goals. His projects have ranged from sustainable agriculture and renewable energy to green skills training for young people through the GreenWorks programme. Akash’s ability to translate complex environmental policy into community- based solutions has earned support from global funders such as Citibank, the International Labour Organisation and Sustainable Seas Trust. He is completing an MSc in sustainable energy at the University of South Africa, where his research explores converting industrial waste heat into clean energy using thermoelectric materials and CO2-
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