Children at a very young age sometimes need a little nudge from their parents by encouraging empathy, praise generous deeds, set an example and choose a charity.
A 13-year-old learner from Weltevreden Park Primary School, Dariana Naidoo is no stranger when it comes to community work and charity initiatives.
Her latest deed of generosity saw Dariana and her team spoil the children at Marang House children’s home with a hearty meal. They also embarked on a mission to collect as much as they can to assist the home.
This children’s home is based in Northcliff, Johannesburg and provides a stable home environment to seriously ill children aged four to 14 years while they are undergoing or awaiting medical treatment. There they can learn to manage their illnesses.
“I represent Weltevreden Park Primary as a Community Councillor and by doing this I would like to promote that generous people have a desire to give what they have to others.
“Generous people are not selfish, they want to help those in need and are always willing to share. We have two hands, one for us and the other to serve,” said Dariana.
The Johannesburg Mini Council has been effecting change in the lives of the youth for over four decades with a specific focus on Grade 7 learners. The leadership lessons they learn are invaluable to their future development.
The children at Marang House suffer from serious illnesses that require constant monitoring and regular treatment at a tertiary hospital.
Currently the home can accommodate up to 12 children, providing them with clothes, housing, food and 24-hour medical care.
However, most importantly the children are brought to the hospital each day where they receive not only training on how to manage their disease, but traditional education as well.
“It would really be nice if the community, especially adults, would support this initiative of kids supporting kids. Plant the seeds of generosity from home; you have little eyes watching your every move,” said Dariana’s mother,” Tracy Naidoo.
Earlier in the year Dariana teamed up with Rainbows and Smiles together with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to host a blood drive at her school.
