Young Boksburg North leader turns kindness into a lifelong mission
At only 18, Akhil Piyarlall has already spent six years giving back to vulnerable communities – a journey inspired by the legacy of his late grandfathers.
Leadership is about showing up for people in need rather than holding a title, according to 18-year-old Akhil Piyarlall.
The Eco Campus College matric learner from Boksburg North has been recognised in the youth category of the Influential Awards, which honours South Africa’s Top 100 Most Influential Men and Women in Business and Profession.
The youth category was introduced this year to recognise young people who make an impact in their communities and Akhil was recognised for the six years he has dedicated to charity work.
He began serving his community in Grade Six, while he was a learner at Woodlands International College in Boksburg.
His late grandfathers, whom he calls Dhadha and Nana, set the example and motivated him.
“They always taught us to help where we can,” he said.
Akhil stressed that he maintains a healthy balance between academics and his charity work so both enjoy equal attention.
“I do this in my own spare time. My mom helps me reach out and plan,” he explained.
Since 2020, Akhil has supported the Greater Benoni Child and Family Welfare in various ways and he also branched into what he calls his personal festive shoebox-inspired drive.
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Being introduced to the Santa Shoebox Project while attending Woodlands inspired him to adapt the theme into a personal project.
“I collect and fill shoeboxes for disadvantaged children and provide a meal for them during the handover of these,” he said. “My family and friends help me prepare the meal, making it all the more personal.”
All Akhil’s initiatives are currently funded through contributions from family, friends, associates and willing donors.
“They play a vital role, both financially and emotionally. I have not had much exposure and have been focused on school, so I rely on them for networking opportunities.
“Without my family, it would have been difficult to succeed. They support keeping the dream alive.”
His work remains relatively small-scale, focused on two to three initiatives a year.
“But over a period of six years, that adds up to making a lasting impact,” he proudly said.
Other initiatives include:
* During Women’s Month he launched a dignity bag drive for women living in safe homes and shelters. The bags contained personal hygiene essentials to provide practical support.
* As an animal lover, through a Mandela Day campaign he collected pet food and other essentials for the SPCA.
Although he has not yet embarked on large-scale fundraising, he is open to fundraising and partnering with more organisations as he gains experience and exposure.
After matric, he plans to establish his own non-profit organisation.
“I plan on registering my own NPO or joining as a member of an NPO closest to me.
“Access to the required documentation will assist greatly in securing funding and a continuation of my work,” he said.
He believes that his years of charity work have given him the skills needed to manage an organisation and create more opportunities to grow his community reach.
“You don’t have to be rich or have a big organisation to help. You can start with what you have and involve the people around you.”
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