Everyone has the ability to help someone, says Daniella Kleyman, 16, a member of the Edgemead High School Interact Club.
Daniella joined the Interact Club, which is sponsored by the Goodwood Rotary Club, in Grade 8.
“I was keen to get involved in helping the community and working with a group of people who were just as passionate about helping others as I was. I saw an opportunity to help and grow the Edgemead High School Interact Club to help even more people,” she said.
Along with the rest of her committee, Daniella helps to fund-raise for various causes, such as End Polio Now and local animal shelters. They plan outreach projects; do food, clothing and toy drives and collect bottle tops for Operation Smile.
“The biggest project we run is our Ysterplaat Upliftment project, where we make sandwiches every Thursday and collect Easter eggs, beanies and Santa Shoeboxes for Ysterplaat Primary School. We involve our whole school in getting involved with collections and outreaches,” she said.
Daniella, who wants to be a biology teacher, has also started a recycling project at school, making ecobricks, and she has helped to get the school’s municipal bins replaced with recycling bins.
“I hope to inspire other youths to become involved in Interact and realise their potential to give back to their community.
“Being a part of Interact has helped me grow as a person and as a leader. It makes you more appreciative of what you have and inspires you to give back.”
On Saturday, the Edgemead High Interact Club will spend Youth Day volunteering at the Fallen Angels animal shelter near Melkbosstrand. The club has collected food for the 300 dogs at the shelter.
“It is important for youth to give their time and help their community when they have the privilege of doing so,” said Daniella.