When Efron Isaya Malima joined the Going Beyond Project under Her Initiative in 2024, he brought with him a passion for community, a commitment to the environment, and a spark for leadership. What he did not know then was just how far that spark would take him or how many lives it would ignite along the way.
Born and raised in Arusha, Tanzania, Efron stepped into the youth leadership program with a heart full of hope and hands ready to build. With a background in project management and a fierce dedication to environmental advocacy, Efron was eager to lead. He quickly became one of the most outstanding youth leaders in the program, not just because of what he achieved, but because of how deeply he cared.
In Phase 1, Efron trained 107 small and medium entrepreneurs, 75 of them women, equipping them with digital business skills to thrive in an evolving economy. “Some were hesitant at first,” he recalls, “but I learned how to create a safe space where everyone felt heard.” One of the most memorable stories was that of Evaline, a young woman with a passion for crafts but no digital strategy. With Efron’s mentorship, she elevated her business and became a role model for others as she provided a center for training and helped to mobilize 40 other peers for the 3rd Cohort after seeing how beneficial the program was to her, and what a turn of events when she heard that she was among the winners of the seed award grants, a moment of joy for both Efron and Evaline as they have always shown dedication towards uplifting others.
But Efron’s leadership was not confined to his own sessions. He traveled across the Arusha region, supporting fellow youth leaders with mobilization, co-facilitating training, and uplifting others. “I always believed leadership is not about being in front,” he says, “it’s about walking with people, lifting them as you rise.”
This extraordinary heart and hands-on approach did not go unnoticed. When Phase 2 of the project launched, Efron was selected as a facilitator, a recognition of his growth, impact, and potential. He was deployed to Zanzibar, where he worked with Pamoja Youth Initiative, delivering digital business content and continuing his mission to empower young leaders like himself.
“It felt like a full-circle moment,” he reflects. “From being a nervous facilitator during my first digital leap workshop in Arusha, to confidently leading sessions in Zanzibar, it reminded me that growth comes from showing up, again and again.”
Efron now serves as both a Training of Trainers (ToT) Facilitator and a DOT Youth Climate Champion, roles that have allowed him to scale his impact, advocate for sustainability, and mentor the next generation of changemakers.
Challenges? There were many. From disengaged participants to tight schedules and occasional conflicts, Efron learned to navigate with empathy, flexibility, and deep listening. He credits the Going Beyond Project for instilling in him the confidence, problem-solving mindset, and network that continue to support his leadership journey.
Looking ahead, Efron sees himself deepening his work in community development and climate action. He’s currently designing youth-focused training programs, launching environmental advocacy campaigns, and building a stronger network of collaborators across the country.
His message to new youth leaders entering Phase 2?
“Believe in the power of your story and the ripple it can create. Leadership is not about knowing it all, it's about showing up with purpose, learning with others, and never underestimating the change one person can spark.”
His personal motto?
“Lead with empathy. Build with others. Leave no voice behind.”
From Arusha to Zanzibar, Efron has proven that dedication is not just a value, it is a path. And through that path, he continues to go beyond.