World ORT awards King David High School Linksfield learner
Because of her active support for at-risk children at Kids Haven Shelter, a King David High School, Linksfield learner was acknowledged.
A Grade 11 learner from King David High School, Linksfield was recognised for her compassion for children in a shelter. Noa Nerwich received the World ORT Gina and Joseph Harmatz Award for Social Responsibility awarded by ORT to students and learners every year. The award recognises students who have distinguished themselves in their conduct towards others.
It acknowledges excellence in projects which help the needy, displays voluntary contributions to society and a commitment to fostering the values of compassion and dignity. The school congratulated Noa on September 12, for her award on the project titled Forever Kids Haven: A Lifelong Project-Changing Lives, One Child at a Time. This ongoing endeavour is aimed at supporting the at-risk children of Kids Haven Shelter in Johannesburg.
“My family and I have been involved with Kids Haven since I was a little girl in Grade 1 where I and my little brother joined my mom and her business when they visited Kids Haven. It is a shelter that provides homes and support to children who were left on the street. I knew then and there the incredible work that they did and how I wanted to help them as best as I could,” said Noa.
Her engagement with Kids Haven began years ago and has evolved into an impactful partnership that involves hosting events, organising food and footwear drives, and creating educational activity packs, among other initiatives.
She said one of the standout moments in this lifelong commitment was when she incorporated her own bat mitzvah celebration into the project. Instead of a traditional street party, she hosted 22 girls from Kids Haven for a pizza, pamper, and pyjama party at home. She said the event transcended beyond a mere celebration; it was a true commitment to enhancing the lives of these young girls.
The project entails working together with the Kids Haven to ensure that they achieve the things that they need. Noa said, “Through the Forever Kids Haven project I hope to inspire others to make a difference and to know that anyone anywhere can change people’s lives
“I’m currently collecting soccer balls for the children at Kids Haven, something that they are in need of.”
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