You Don’t Have to Be an Adult to Lead: Nimalan’s Story
At the African Library Project, many journeys begin in simple ways—through family, community, or a shared desire to help.
For Nimalan, it started with his brother and a friend.
In 2018, he watched as his brother and a friend organized book drives to support schools across Africa. Already someone who loved reading, Nimalan felt a natural pull to get involved. What stood out most was how tangible the experience felt. He could see how his efforts would directly impact other children who shared his love of books.
So, he joined.
In those early years, Nimalan learned by doing, working alongside his brother and his friend to collect books, raise funds, and prepare shipments. They taught him the process, and together, they navigated the ups and downs that come with organizing a book drive.
“It was fun, but also a big learning experience,” he shared.
As Nimalan grew more confident, he began organizing book drives with his own group of friends. This time, he stepped into a leadership role, guiding others through the same process he had once learned himself.
Just as his brother and friend once guided him, Nimalan paid it forward.
Through that experience, he learned an important lesson: things don’t always go according to plan—especially when it comes to fundraising or timelines. But with persistence, creativity, and teamwork, challenges can be worked through.
And then there are the moments that make it all real.
For Nimalan, that moment comes when he sees photos of the books he helped collect.
“Seeing them in the hands of real students… hits different. It makes all my effort and time worth it.”
It’s a reminder that behind every box of books is a connection between communities, between young people, and between shared opportunities.
When asked what message he would share with others his age, Nimalan keeps it simple: just start.
Perhaps most importantly, Nimalan’s journey challenges a common assumption—that you need to be older, more experienced, or more established to make a difference.
“It made me realize that I didn’t have to be an adult… my age has never been a limitation.”
At ALP, stories like Nimalan’s are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the opportunity to lead.
Because leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about stepping up.
Sometimes, it starts with joining in, learning alongside others, and choosing to take the next step.
And sometimes, it starts with a single book drive.
Because a childhood without books shouldn’t exist—and you’re never too young to help change that.
