Volunteer Spotlight: Riansh’s “Math for a Cause”

When Riansh Gandhi set out to make a difference last summer, he started with something he already loved: math.

A rising 8th grader at Tenafly Middle School, Riansh launched Math for Cause—a free tutoring program for younger students, with an optional donation to support Zimele’s work in South Africa. His goal was simple: raise $500 while helping other students grow in confidence and skill.

By the end of the summer, he had done both—and more!

Through his tutoring sessions, Riansh raised $1,000 to support Zimele, doubling his original goal. But beyond the numbers, his initiative created something even more meaningful: an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Riansh’s passion for math was sparked by someone who once helped him. Now, he’s paying that forward—giving younger students the same encouragement and confidence that shaped his own journey.

His connection to Zimele’s mission is also deeply personal.

“My mom is an immigrant from India and an entrepreneur,” Riansh shared. “I’ve seen how hard she works every day, and I can imagine how much more difficult that must be in a place like rural South Africa.”

That perspective led him to take action.

Throughout the summer, Riansh spent his time teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students—often wearing his Math for Cause + Zimele t-shirt as a reminder of the purpose behind his work. At the end of the program, he gifted shirts to his students as a thank-you for being part of the journey.

Riansh has also been a familiar face at Zimele events, volunteering his time at last year’s Color Run 5K and always looking for ways to get involved.

His story is a powerful reminder that impact doesn’t depend on age—it begins with using what you have and choosing to give it away.