Teen beauty queen helps deprived children
Narayan donates bursary to her former school
EVEN before taking the title of Miss Teen India South Africa last year, Lisha Narayan knew the R100 000 bursary prize would be used for others.
Narayan, 20, won the contest in December last year and with it the chance to study at Damelin College. But at the time of her win, Narayan was already two years into her medical degree at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Narayan, who is serving as Damelin’s brand ambassador for the year, approached the tertiary institution with her plan to donate the bursary to deserving pupils from Crystal Point Secondary school in Phoenix — her alma mater.
“They were supportive. After the pageant, I met with the communications head, Jessie Naidoo, who understood my decision and was happy to work with the school and donate the bursary.”
Narayan completed her matric in 2010 and was one of the province’s top 10 pupils. She said the support that the staff had given her during her time at the school made her feel that it was important to reach out to Crystal Point.
“This is my home school and I believe my teachers invested so much in my life that I should give back in some way,” she said. “I believe it is important to give back to your community. Youth empowerment is close to my heart. I am glad that I could help to make a difference.”
The five pupils selected to receive help are Wenzile Busane from Inanda, Nonhlanhla Mpungose from KwaMashu, and Sohana Singh, Luke Mayas and Pravisha Singh, all from Phoenix. Each will receive a bursary worth R20 000.
The five, like many of the others who were short-listed, come from single- or no-parent households, or from homes suffering severe financial distress. “I was touched by their determination to improve their lives and those of their families,” said Narayan.
Naidoo said the bursary initiative would have profound effects. “Damelin is proud to be part of this initiative through which we will change the lives of five students who will acquire valuable skills, be able to earn a living and help their own families.”