What was once an appealing dream to Naledi Maobelo has become a stressful reality for her as she writes her mid-year exams.
Midrand Reporter published her story in April requesting sponsorship for her trip to the Global Young Leaders Conference which will take place in Washington DC and New York next month.
She needed R70 000 to cover the costs.
The conference brings together youth from around the world to learn leadership skills, gain diverse perspectives from other young people and connect with leaders on global issues.
After realising that she was not raising as much money as she expected, she forfeited some programmes of the conference which brought the required costs to R40 000.
“I feel very sad because I really wanted to attend the conference. It is even more stressful because I am writing exams and the date for the conference is approaching,” she said.
The Grade 11 learner at Midrand High School said she wants to spread a message of growth, development and hope to the world about South Africa. She is appealing to the corporate world, political parties and organisations around Midrand to make her dream a reality.
“By helping me get to the conference, people would not just be investing in a child going to America but they would be investing in a child who would be better positioned to make good decisions for Africa in the future,” she said.
Naledi said she plans to study political science after matric and also major in actuarial science.
“I want to gain knowledge in the economic sector. Africa is lacking leaders with a sound economic knowledge and understanding. We have all these resources and we don’t know how to use them.”
Despite politics, her love also resides in debating competitions. She has been debating in the country for the past three years with the help of the South African Institute of International Affairs and she finally has an opportunity to debate at a global level and represent South Africa.
“I have invested a lot of time and effort into this cultural activity. This has honestly opened so many doors and made it possible to see the greatness that lies there.”
She had been elected as a representative council learner since Grade 8 which she said groomed her leadership skills. She is currently the deputy president of Midrand High School. “I have taken part in multiple academic Olympiads, including the Mathematics and English Olympiad. I have also participated in the school’s prepared public speaking team and excelled with an A, recently, in the impromptu public speaking competition.”
To contribute contact Naledi’s mother, Thandeka Maobelo on 073 155 4462.
What impact do you think such conferences have on the youth? Tweet us @MidrandReporter
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