Dora Moono Nyambe, the influencer known for her humanitarian efforts in Africa, has died. She was 32.
Nyambe’s death was announced in a message shared to her Instagram and TikTok accounts on Friday, Dec. 27
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden departure of our beloved Dora,” the message read. “She will be remembered as a loved mother, heroine, eace philanthropist and an extraordinary woman.”
The post also included details about a burial service for Nyambe on Saturday, Dec. 28. The service has since been rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 30 “due to unforeseen challenges.”
“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.”
A teacher who worked with Nyambe revealed on TikTok that she passed away on Christmas (Dec. 25).
Nyambe’s cause of death has not been announced.
On Dec. 15, she showed off a foot injury on TikTok. It’s unclear if the injury is connected to her death.
Nyambe, who grew up in the Zambian capital of Lusaka, launched her nonprofit Footprints of Hope that helped build schools in Zambia.
She documented her humanitarian efforts and raised awareness about child marriages on TikTok and Instagram, where she has over 4 million followers combined.
Nyambe’s nonprofit had a campus of 350 students with dormitories, classroom buildings, a library and dining hall that serves three meals a day as of last year, according to Northeastern University’s website.
“Yes, there are kids that are suffering. But that’s not all they are. They are also amazing human beings,” Nyambe said, per Northeastern.
“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.”
Before her death, Nyambe was involved in creating a GoFundMe page to get a new bus for the students of Mapapa. The page has raised over $40,000 with a goal of $80,000.
Nyambe also adopted over a dozen children and fostered more than 200 kids.
Nyambe shared her final TikTok video less than week before her death. The clip featured a montage of Nyambe with the students in the village, alongside a message that was written over the reel.
“When I started to adopt, people said I couldn’t do it because of my age and being unmarried,” Nyambe wrote.
Her caption read, “One day at a time.”
