Rock your matric dance absolutely free
It is the time of year when most matric learners are pleasantly torn between learning for their exams and shopping for outfits to wear at their matric farewell, and shopping is probably winning. Unfortunately for some it is a stressful time, because they can't afford stylish outfits. Those who are not financially well off can now relax in the knowledge that there is help. The Princess Project is a non-profit organisation established overseas and brought to South Africa by former Miss South-Africa, Jo-Ann Strauss. Two women opened the first branch in Cape Town in 1996 and today most of the big cities in South Africa have branches. The George branch was opened in 2011. Since 2012, about 250 learners in George have been assisted under the management of Marilyn Pienaar, who runs the project in her spare time.
The Princess Project is a freeof-charge borrowing service. The project provides suits, matric farewell dresses, shoes and accessories to young men and women who otherwise would have to go without. The learners have to return the outfits after their farewell event.
Pienaar says the core function of the project is to help less privileged matriculants, regardless of gender, race or age, to attend their matric dance in style.
"My aim is to assist matriculants within the greater area of George to feel like royalty at their matric dances. With the current unemployment rate and the resulting poverty, some parents are not able to make this dream come true for their children, and that is where the Princess Project steps in," she says.
The Princess Project strives to assist learners with the following: Dress/suit and shirt
Shoes
Hair
Make-up
Nails
Accessories
Although Pienaar would like to help everyone, she says the demand for matric farewell outfits is much greater than the means, as she has to provide for many schools in the George area. She therefore encourages parents and learners who can contribute to the stock, to help where they can. "Currently the project is under a huge strain financially due to the high demand. We need donations of any of these items," she says.
Pienaar can be phoned on
073 947 3561 after 16:00, faxed on 086 518 0604 or e-mailed at marilynpienaar@mtn.blackberry. com.