Arnav Dasrath

Community Youth Heroes

Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal

Age:
18

Project Name/Description:
Linking Arms

More info:
https://instagram.com/arnav_dasrath?igshid=YmMyMTA2M22Y=

Although only 18, Arnav Dasrath from Shallcross, Durban, is a committed community, social and environmental activist. The Eden College grade 12 learner started showing interest in community work at the age of six. If his family happened to be on the road, he would ask his parents to stop the car and give something to any beggar, even if it meant giving away his own meal. “My goal is to impact as many lives as I am able to, and in the most effective way, by providing basic needs to people who cannot afford them,” says Dasrath. His ultimate dream was realised at the age of 16 when he founded his NPO, Linking Arms, with the help of his parents since he was a minor then. In the past year, he successfully completed 1053 community service hours virtually and in person, while also being a director of his school’s health committee. Some of his initiatives included raising just over R3 000 with The KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society for children’s cancer research. During his school vacation, Dasrath volunteers in the paediatric ward at the Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, Umlazi, reading stories and playing games with children.