05/08/2026
"I wanted to be the person people could turn to."
For Lexi Levy, that desire has shaped the way she sees the world from a young age.
Now a Grade 11 learner at St Cyprian's School, Lexi grew up in Zimbabwe, where she became aware that many people faced difficult circumstances with nowhere to turn. Inspired by her parents, she learned that privilege is a gift that comes with responsibility – the responsibility to give back and help make the world a gentler place for people who struggle.
Driven by that belief, Lexi has spent her time volunteering in community projects and tutoring younger girls in maths and science. Earlier this year, one issue captured her heart. After researching period poverty, she was shocked to learn that many girls miss up to two months of school every year simply because they cannot afford sanitary products.
Determined to make a difference, Lexi spent three months researching possible solutions. Her initial idea was to teach communities how to make reusable sanitary pads. Before putting that plan into action, she sought advice from people who had led similar initiatives across Africa.
Their advice was simple: listen to the girls first.
Looking for a community where she could listen before acting, Lexi partnered with Ikamva Labantu to facilitate her first menstrual health workshop. It was a moment that changed her perspective.
"What I thought was needed, and what the girls actually needed, were two very different things," she says.
The workshop became a safe space for honest conversations, where girls openly shared their experiences, challenges and questions around menstruation. Together, they learned from one another, reminding everyone in the room that meaningful change begins by listening.
Today, Lexi's journey is only just beginning. She is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for free access to sanitary products in township communities. She's also planning more workshops and is looking for communities willing to collaborate, sponsors to support her climb, and volunteers who would like to help grow the reach of the project.
At Ikamva Labantu, we believe in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Lexi's story reminds us that changing the future doesn't always begin with having all the answers. Sometimes, it begins with making a simple but powerful choice: not to walk away.
Inspired by Lexi's journey?
Whether you're a community interested in collaborating, a sponsor willing to support her Kilimanjaro climb, a volunteer ready to lend a hand, or someone who simply wants to cheer her on, your support can help more girls access menstrual health education and the dignity they deserve.
Follow .africa to keep up with Lexi's journey.
To discover more stories of local changemakers and learn how Ikamva Labantu partners with communities to build a brighter future, visit ikamva.org.za.
Because the future is in your hands.
