Teen hailed as champion for helping youth in her community
Her teachers and elders in the community and church describe her as a kind, sincere young person who never hesitates to put the needs of others before her own.
Inspired by faith and her hunger to assist others, Taslyn Leigh Naidoo admitted that she was faced with challenges growing up and had overcome them by faith and determination – and through that faith she is now inspiring others.
The 17-year-old has been praised by her community of Hamberg for the good work she has been doing as a youth leader by helping her peers with overcoming the effects of bullying and drug abuse. She is also involved in local feeding schemes.
The headstrong teenager has so much empathy for others, and despite her own hardships she never has turned away another individual.
Taslyn juggles school, extramural activities and church and still makes time for others.
The Curro Wilgeheuwel Grade 11 learner is one of the top academic learners and represents her school with pride and enthusiasm.
Taslyn said that she takes her studies very seriously and invests her time and effort into always being a good role model.
Taslyn spends her free time volunteering at children’s shelters, drug rehabilitation centres and working within her community by distributing food among the people on the street, and collecting used items and clothing to distribute to the homes.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Taslyn not only in a professional capacity but within the church as well. She has helped me with several food and clothing drives. I have watched her grow into a sweet, caring, and compassionate young lady.
“I have also had the privilege of serving with her as a youth leader where she has displayed a diligent and headstrong attitude towards growing the youth in the community one teenager at a time,” said Tenacious Church Discovery team leader, Larissa Petersen.
Taslyn’s positive impact on her peers can be seen through her passion to help children within her community to overcome pressure and bullying.
She loves art.
“She has shown tremendous support and compassion to the ladies who are currently booked into our drug and rehabilitation centre. Showing them that they are loved in spite of what they have done or been through creates and births hope in the lives of our ladies.
“Taslyn and the entire team did a stellar job of encouragement, healing and restoring hope,” said Antonello Sibinda who is an overseer at the Institution of Grace based in Ontdekkers Park.
