Photo: doramoononyambe/Instagram
Humanitarian influencer Dora Moono Nyambe, who garnered more than 4.2 million followers on TikTok through her charitable efforts in Africa, has died at the age of 32, according to posts shared on her Instagram and TikTok accounts on Friday (December 27).
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden departure of our beloved Dora,” the message states. “She will be remembered as a loved mother, heroine, eace philanthropist and an extraordinary woman.”
A burial service for Nyambe was scheduled for Saturday (December 28) but has since been rescheduled to Monday (December 30) "due to unforeseen changes."
“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time,” the announcement added. “We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come forward to support us, whether financially or in other forms.”
Nyambe reportedly died on Christmas Day (December 25), a teacher who worked with her revealed in a post shared on her TikTok account.
Nyambe's cause of death was not yet publicly announced at the time of publication on Sunday (December 29). The humanitarian previously shared a post showing off her foot injury on December 15, however, it's unclear if it's connected to her death.
Nyambe, a native of Zambia, launched the nonprofit 'Footprints of Hope,' which focuses efforts toward building schools in her home country. The nonprofit grew from five students and no schoolhouse to a campus of 350 with dormitories, classroom buildings a library and a dining hall, according to an article on Northeastern University alum Joseph Schmitt's book Under a Zambia Tree chronicling Nyambe's humanitarian work.
“Yes, there are kids that are suffering. But that’s not all they are. They are also amazing human beings,” Nyambe said via Northeastern's website.
“They make this amazing art. They love sports. They love to read,” she continued. “I show these other aspects that you wouldn’t typically see in a traditional African story of the poor child wanting help.”
Nyambe also launched a GoFundMe prior to her death to raise money for a new bus for the students of Mapapa, which has raised more than $41,000 of its $80,000 goal.
