Helping those in need
“There are a lot of girls who cannot afford sanitary toiletries, by ensuring that they can go to school and get an education will ensure that they can break through poverty,”
17Helping underprivileged girls is what Erin Gavina hopes to achieve by taking part in the Miss Teen Social Entrepreneur South Africa programme.
The programme, founded by Tarryn Ogle, hopes to empower women by teaching them skills and assisting those in need.
“I am interested in helping other people and making a difference in the world,” said Erin.
According to Erin, being in the Miss Teen SESA programme will enable her to assist other people.
She said she feels extremely proud that she is now a Miss Teen SESA finalist.
The beneficiary of the programme is Dignity Dreams, a charity which provides reusable sanitary toiletries to underprivileged female learners.
Erin explained that the provision of sanitary pads, would enable learners to attend classes every day and thus get an education.
“There are a lot of girls who cannot afford sanitary toiletries. By ensuring that they can go to school and get an education will help them to break away from poverty,” added Erin.
Each pack from Dignity Dreams costs R200 and includes underwear and six pads which can be reused for three to five years.
Erin’s passion for helping people was discovered when she was in Grade Three.
Over the years Erin has helped people and animals in need by doing community service.
Some of the community service she has done includes assisting at soup kitchens, visiting the elderly, visiting animal shelters and making food for those in need.
In 2016 she was also a Holy Rosary representative on the Johannesburg Mini Council.
“I was member of the economic committee and we raised money for Woodrock Animal Shelter and worked at a few SPCAs,” said Erin.
She said last year the council also decided to run a programme called Million Mouths. The aim was to feed one million South African citizens by providing mielie meal.
Erin said although the council never met their target and fed just under one million people, the council was very proud of their achievement.
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