AmaQhawekazi, which loosely means “heroines”, is exactly what a group of East London high school girls plan to become to their peers from disadvantaged schools.
The group of 10 girls who come from three different schools – Clarendon High School for Girls, Hudson Park High School and Beaconhurst High School – banded together to assist girls their age from families who struggle to make ends meet.
Amaqhawekazi representative Mihlali Xozwa said the group formed after they noted a need to create an organisation that would help empower disadvantaged black girls around East London.
“The aim of our organisation is to help develop young ladies who will not see their socio-economic circumstances as a death sentence but rather as a temporary circumstance they are capable of overcoming,” said Mihlali.
“We want to encourage, empower and support the girls as they develop into beautiful, strong and bold women.”
She said they wanted to create a stable foundation for the girls so that they were fully equipped and understood the importance of education in helping them succeed.
Mihlali, a Grade 12 pupil at Hudson, said they would provide mentorship and guidance to these young women.
“Our five year plan is for each of us to adopt a girl that is starting high school next year.
“We will provide each of those girls with mentorship that will see us help them with their studies and general well being,” said Mihlali.
She said one of the first initiatives they had undertaken saw them collect 279 packets of sanitary pads.
“We were sponsored space at Vincent Park Mall to carry out the drive which was truly successfull. This afternoon we will be delivering the sanitary pads to Qaqamba Senior Secondary School in Duncan Village,” she said.
lAnyone interested in assisting Amaqhawekazi can contact them on e-mail at amaqhawekazi10@gmail.com. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
High school heroines step up
The group of 10 girls who come from three different schools – Clarendon High School for Girls, Hudson Park High School and Beaconhurst High School – banded together to assist girls their age from families who struggle to make ends meet.
Amaqhawekazi representative Mihlali Xozwa said the group formed after they noted a need to create an organisation that would help empower disadvantaged black girls around East London.
“The aim of our organisation is to help develop young ladies who will not see their socio-economic circumstances as a death sentence but rather as a temporary circumstance they are capable of overcoming,” said Mihlali.
“We want to encourage, empower and support the girls as they develop into beautiful, strong and bold women.”
She said they wanted to create a stable foundation for the girls so that they were fully equipped and understood the importance of education in helping them succeed.
Mihlali, a Grade 12 pupil at Hudson, said they would provide mentorship and guidance to these young women.
“Our five year plan is for each of us to adopt a girl that is starting high school next year.
“We will provide each of those girls with mentorship that will see us help them with their studies and general well being,” said Mihlali.
She said one of the first initiatives they had undertaken saw them collect 279 packets of sanitary pads.
“We were sponsored space at Vincent Park Mall to carry out the drive which was truly successfull. This afternoon we will be delivering the sanitary pads to Qaqamba Senior Secondary School in Duncan Village,” she said.
lAnyone interested in assisting Amaqhawekazi can contact them on e-mail at amaqhawekazi10@gmail.com. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos