For participants under 13, an adult ally (for example, a teacher, youth worker, parent, or mentor) must complete the submission on your behalf. The story itself should be written in the young person’s own words and perspective. The adult’s role is purely administrative, ensuring safeguarding requirements are met and that you are supported through the process. This is simply to make sure we’re following safeguarding best practice and that you’re supported throughout the process by someone who knows your journey.
I am 13+ submitting my own changemaker story
Name
Role / Relationship to the young person
Email address
Preferred Contact number
Organisation or school name (if applicable)
Name of young person or team
Saanvi Chepyala
Date of Birth
2008-11-26
If you are between 13 and 18 years old, please download this form, have your legal guardian fill it and then upload here.
Location (city or town)
Allen
School or community group name
Cureco
Category of story
Open Category
Title
Building Cureco One CureKit at a Time
Tell us your changemaking story.
When I visited India in 2024, I saw a young girl sitting silently outside my aunt’s hospital because her family could not afford care. That moment changed how I viewed health inequity and inspired me to start Cureco, a youth-led nonprofit focused on expanding access to basic medical supplies in underserved communities. What began as small donation drives grew into five chapters across Texas schools, partnerships with organizations like International Medical Relief and outreach supporting communities in five countries. Through CureKits filled with essentials like gloves, masks, bandages and sanitizer, along with fundraisers and volunteer events, we have raised more than $5,000, impacted over 1,000 individuals and empowered students to take active leadership roles within their own communities through service, advocacy and health equity initiatives.
How do you hope your story will inspire others?
I hope my story encourages other young people to realize that leadership does not have to start with something huge. Cureco began with a simple idea and a desire to help communities gain access to basic medical supplies, but over time it grew because people were willing to take small actions consistently. I also hope educators, organizations and communities recognize how important it is to trust young people with real responsibility instead of limiting them to passive roles. Young people are creative, driven and capable of building meaningful change when they are given support and opportunities to lead. Most importantly, I hope others understand that community impact is not reserved for adults or professionals. Anyone can start by listening to the needs around them and taking the first step toward action.
Who else is collaborating with you on this?
Cureco is very collaborative and community-driven. I currently co-lead the organization with Nora Naveen, and we work closely with student leaders across our five school chapters. Students help organize fundraisers, lead CureKit events, recruit volunteers and engage with their local communities. We also collaborate with organizations such as International Medical Relief to help distribute medical supplies to underserved communities internationally. In addition, local hospitals and community supporters have partnered with us through donation drives, outreach events and holiday card initiatives for patients. One of the most rewarding parts of Cureco has been seeing students, educators, organizations and community members come together around a shared mission of improving health care access and empowering youth leadership.
I confirm that all information submitted is accurate and that I have obtained all necessary consents for participation and media use.
1
I understand that selected stories may be featured in the UK Changemaker Showcase and that Ashoka UK may contact me regarding next steps.
1
I understand that this is not a competition but a celebration of youth leadership and changemaking.
1
User Email
[webform_submission:original:user:mail]
