Bright sparks act for the general good

A GROUP of youngsters have been hailed for making a difference. The “Inspiring Youth” campaign asked school-goers in BCM to explain how they were transforming and inspiring their communities.

From entries submitted during March, eight finalists – individuals and groups – were chosen. “Many notice problems in our society but few use their lives to become part of the solution.

“We are so proud of these learners,” said campaign organiser Brad Taylor.

One group finalist was Stirling High School’s Eco Club, which consists of 20 pupils and focuses on gardening and recycling. “We are in charge of the school’s gardens. We have a worm farm and vegetable gardens. We do recycling and beach clean-ups,” said club leader Chloë Botha.

An individual finalist, Riley Devan of Selborne College, has started an initiative called Rally for Rhinos. He has already raised R25 000 to help save the species from extinction. “I can’t sit back and do nothing,” he said.

Two friends from Althorpe College Primary, Thembisile Manu and Shalyka Azam, are behind a Sharing is Caring initiative. The school’s physical education teacher, Warren Wilken, has been a guide for the Grade 6 learners’ initiative.

“Thembisile and Shalyka are very involved in their communities – they feed homeless people and give them clothes.

“Initially 20 pupils entered for the Inspiring Youth campaign, but it was Thembisile and Shalyka who captured the hearts of the organisers. They have been running Sharing is Caring for two years,” said Wilken.

The other finalists in the Inspiring Youth campaign, who all received R2 000 worth of gift vouchers, are Daniel Boucher with Bottles2Bricks (Stirling Primary); Ciara Bedser with Big Heart Small Hands (Clarendon Primary); the Hudson Port Rex Lions Clubs; and Songo Matshingana (Montessori Elementary School).

The Inspiring Youth campaign is linked to the Inspiration Awards, which is an annual event in BCM that promotes and highlights school societies, non-government organisations, caring groups and inspiring individuals who are making a difference in their communities.

One of the eight youth finalists will go forward to these Inspiration Awards which will be celebrated at Mercedes-Benz on May 19.

“The winning prize is a grand total of R40 000,” said Taylor. —

Picture: MICHAEL PINYANA SETTING AN EXAMPLE: The eight finalists of an Inspiring Youth Campaign all stand a chance of being nominated as Local Heroes by the Daily Dispatch, as well as presenting at The Inspiration Awards next month at Mercedes-Benz SA. Standing from left are...