IT has been a great 2015 for 16-year-old Montclairian Matt Glasspool, who has made a huge wave in the debating and public speaking world.
From a young age, Glasspool who is the Durban Youth Council (DYC) mayor has made the podium his home as he debated his way throughout his school years.
His biggest achievement so far is making the South African team that will travel to America to take part in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking championships on 25 March in Pittsburgh. But a trip to America is proving to be a costly venture for the schoolboy who needs to raise a whopping R60,000 in order to reach his destination.
Mother, Tracey Glasspool is urging anyone who can help her son achieve his dream. “I am very proud of my son, every spare minute he has is spent in debating. He works so hard and is a superb academic. If anything, he deserves this trip, this opportunity to participate on an international level. Help me elevate my son to his highest potential,” said his mother.
He is greatly influenced by human rights laws and has found that public speaking and debating has taught him more about discipline as well as given him a more critical mind, allowing him to analyse the world around him. “It is great to argue about relevant issues that affect South Africa and the world, I enjoy delving in political debates. This is my first time making the South African team and it is a huge honour to be a representative for my country on such a scale,” said Glasspool.
The teenager has used his debating skills to be part of the illustrious DYC, an NPO made up of 120 pupils across Durban. The youth council is aimed at serving the community through education, awareness and sustainable projects. Glasspool who was elected early last year as the 2016 DYC mayor said he still finds himself as an equal to his colleagues in DYC but he will make sure that each goal will be met by his council.
He encourages the youth to aspire towards greater influences, to get out there and listen, as they are the future leaders of the country. “Read the news and follow it. The more you understand the more capable you are of analysing critically. You are able to think about the world in a new light and opening your mind to greater things,” said Glasspool.
To donate towards the fund:
- Bank: STANDARD BANK
- Branch: NORTHCLIFF
- Branch No: 051001
- Account No: 10077540555
- Beneficiary: M. GLASSPOOL
Include your personal name/ name of company so the Glasspool family could personally thank each sponsor.
