Face of the Bay contestant ensures a confidence and funds boost for pupils
Vocational pupils at David Livingstone Secondary School are receiving a confidence boost to their step — and a much-needed financial boost to their academic programme — thanks to hairdressing teacher and Face of the Bay contestant Greshanda Bowers.
The Schauderville school was chosen by Bowers as her charity for the competition.
The 34-year-old Gelvandale resident hosted her first event at Uviwe Child and Youth Centre in Schauderville at the weekend as part of her fundraising efforts.
And there, strutting their stuff with confidence in beach, casual and formal wear at the modelling show that doubled as a high tea, were eight David Livingstone pupils.
“I chose the vocational teaching stream as my charity because I see a need for funding due to the lack of equipment for the kids,” she said.
David Livingstone was identified as a pilot site for vocational training by the Eastern Cape education department in 2019 to offer an alternative way of studying to pupils who struggle academically.
Despite the lack of resources and training material, the second group completed four years of vocational training last year.
Face of the Bay founder Candice Heynes, a former Mrs Port Elizabeth, was also at last weekend’s event.
“Having taken part in different pageants, I wanted to change the way it’s done by providing consistency and transparency,” she said of Face of the Bay.
“This competition was birthed a few months ago and I got the endorsement of mayor Gary van Niekerk to start something that is different from other pageants.”
Heynes said she realised contestants were entering competitions and charities, but transparency was lacking.
“Face of the Bay is beauty with a purpose. Empowering women and men in our community is my ultimate goal.
“The competition has no restrictions. There are no height, weight, marital status or any other limits — all I want to do is change the ordinary to extraordinary.”
Heynes said she was proud of Bowers for hosting a modelling competition using young girls from the school she taught at to raise funds as part of the competition.
“She created this day to empower girls and what better time than when they are young? This is where confidence starts.”
Heynes said a workshop with the contestants had previously been held and they understood they were brand ambassadors.
“When it comes to fundraising, 10% of the proceeds go to their chosen charities, 15% into their pockets and the rest to Face of the Bay.
“The money raised will then be used to host the finale later this year.” Van Niekerk said he had endorsed the Face of the Bay project after Heynes formally outlined her idea and what she wanted to achieve to him.
“I consider it an admirable concept with the potential to empower women and build a unique brand in our city,” he said.
David Livingstone principal John Draai said he was grateful the vocational pupils had been chosen as beneficiaries.