Children Spotlight of the Week: Zahra Ahmed Ajetunmobi – A Young Trailblazer for SDGs and Child Education

In this week’s spotlight, we shine a light on Zahra’tul Jannah Ahmed Ajetunmobi, a remarkable 13-year-old Nigerian based in Dubai, UAE. Zahra is not just an ordinary teenager, she is a passionate advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and child education. Her dedication has taken her to global stages, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference, where she amplifies the voices of young learners worldwide. As the founder of Zahralicious Book Club, she is on a mission to foster a love for reading and knowledge among children.

Zahra was born into a Nigerian Yoruba family and is the eldest of three siblings, Alia and Khalifa. She attributes much of her inspiration to her parents, whose unwavering support has been a driving force behind her success. Her journey into advocacy began when her father encouraged her to create educational and inspiring content. What started as a simple suggestion evolved into a global impact, with her videos being used as teaching references in classrooms across Nigeria, the UAE, the US, Brazil, and Mexico.

Despite her young age, Zahra is a confident and eloquent speaker. She credits her ability to deliver engaging speeches to her habit of studying notable speakers and refining her presentations through practice. Her approach includes breaking down complex topics into relatable insights and sharing them in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Zahra’s advocacy for child education was ignited when she first learned about the SDGs in school. Realizing the transformative power of education, she envisioned a world where every child is equipped with the knowledge to make sustainable choices. Her book club provides a platform for children aged 9 to 16 from over 40 countries to engage in meaningful discussions on literature, sustainability, and moral values.

Unlike many might assume, Zahra does not feel overwhelmed by her engagements. Thanks to the unwavering support of her parents, she maintains a well-balanced life, ensuring she enjoys both her advocacy work and childhood experiences. Her daily routine includes school, Quran classes, sports activities, and quality time with family.

Over the years, Zahra has had the privilege of meeting esteemed dignitaries, including HRH Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano. His advice on using privileges to uplift society profoundly shaped her perspective, reinforcing her commitment to making a difference.

As an avid reader, Zahra finds inspiration in books like My Vision by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which taught her the importance of resilience in leadership. She also admires Wonder by R.J. Palacio, which reinforced her belief in embracing diversity and respecting differences.

With her unwavering dedication and passion for education and sustainability, Zahra Ahmed Ajetunmobi is undoubtedly a young leader shaping the future. Her journey is an inspiring reminder that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.