Nikael Maye, a 14-year-old social activist
SOLVISTA Secondary School pupil Nikael Maye is hoping to bring about change in as many people’s lives as he can.
At 14, the resident of Caneside, Phoenix, has already made a difference at the Phoenix Rotary Home for orphaned children – having collected new bedding and much needed electrical appliances.
He is a member of Phoenix Child Welfare, the Phoenix Children’s Foundation and volunteers at the Sahara Shelter for Abused Women and Children.
He said his parents, Roshini and Navin, and his 19-year-old sister Karishma, inspired him to do good and be good.
“They inspire and support me to work hard and to make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most. My role-model is my sister. She is involved in community work and, after she was named a Young Community Achiever by (businessman) Vivian Reddy last year, I was motivated to also do my bit,” said Nikael, adding that he felt he had a social responsibility to the community he lives in.
“If sacrificing some of my time means someone less fortunate than myself is benefiting, then I will gladly do it any day. Seeing the smiles of gratitude on the faces of children is a priceless moment for me. And knowing that I had a hand in it just further encourages me.”
Nikael spends his spare time volunteering at the Sahara Shelter for Abused Women and Children, where he recently initiated a drive to collect toiletries. He plans on starting a campaign for the shelter which involves donating canned foods and getting the women involved in starting a gardening project.
Nikael said he felt it was his duty to help and called on more young people to step up to the plate.
“You are never too young to make a difference. I urge everyone to try and do their bit for society. In working together we can make the society we live in a better one for everyone.”
Nikael doesn’t let his love for offering a helping hand get in the way of his studies.
Aside from his community work, he is an academic achiever and part of the Phoenix debating league.
“Last year, our team won the KwaZulu-Natal debating championship and I was recently selected as a member of the squad to represent the Phoenix debating league at the provincial debating championship in Hillcrest later this month.”
After he matriculates, Nikael intends studying neurobiology at the University of Cape Town. Neurobiology is a study of cells in the nervous system and the organisation of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behaviour.