Pay it forward, an expression for doing a good deed, not expecting anything in return.
While most 12-year-old girls are out playing with their dolls, their video games or staring at their smart phone screens – this 12-year-old has taken upon herself to make a difference, the difference for orphans, who have nothing.
“It all began when one day my gran and I were out shopping and met with a friend of my gran’s, Anette from the ‘Christelike Maatskapy Raad’. She was standing out in the cold, collecting money for Rizpah Orphanage and explained that they were having trouble raising money for the children’s school fees as well as their every day items needed for school,” said Zoë Kemp.
They parted ways and drove home when Zoë aked her gran, Magda, what she could do to help.
“Just use your talents and you will make the difference,” she said.
Zoë thought to herself: “why not use my talents of dancing, and my friends’ talents of singing and combine them into a live show to help bring in the necessities that these orphans need?”
She approached her principal at Laerskool Kragbron, Ms Linette van Tonder, and asked her if she could use the hall on October 25. Linette, after hearing of her great idea, allowed her the use of the hall and it was off to the drawing board for Zoë.
Zoë excited, couldn’t wait to share the news with her mom Samantha and gran. Gran supported Zoë as she set about planning the performance titled ‘Pay it Forward 4 Witbank Disadvantaged Kids!’
Having watched the movie ‘Pay it Forward’ Zoë decided that she would host the show not asking anything in return. She spoke with her friends at school and at Stielha Dance Studio, where she dances, and everyone jumped on board as part of the entertainment at the show.
Her friends, Sjanze and Renica, agreed that they would sing at the show, while her friends from the dance studio and South African champions, Yvonne, Dejone and Nicole, would perform alongside her.
“We got as many children involved as we could, the whole thing is being run by children,” she said.
Zoë spoke with her friend Tatum, who was able to enlist the Marimba Boys from St Thomas Aquinas School to come and perform on October 25, alongside the dancers and singers, adding to the vibrant show of art and culture that is expected.
“All it takes is a little effort and you can make a difference in someone’s life. My dancing inspired me, and I don’t see why others can’t do the same,” said Zoë.
The Pay it Forward 4 Witbank Disadvantaged Kids! performance at Laerskool Kragbron’s hall from 18:00.
No money will be accepted as entry fee, instead the community is asked to bring the items needed to make these orphan’s lives a little more comfortable.
Items such as: food (non-perishable), blankets, toys, clothes, soap, shampoo, shoes, toothbrushes, towels, facecloths, deodorant, sunscreen, books, crayons, pens, pencils/bags, plastic wrap, cover book wraps or rulers.
“I am not aiming to raising money, more the things these children will need to be able to get a good education,” said Zoë.
“We are so proud of her,” added her gran.
Zoë would like to thank everyone who contributed towards the show, namely: Ivan Beck, Yvonne, Nicole, Dejone, STAS Marimba boys, Sjanze, Renica, Ruan, Danika, Marisca, Stielha Dance Studio, Laerskool Kragbron, Juffrou Lynette, Cube Recording, Tatum, 4F Concepts, Cozette and Greg Beck, Magda and lastly mommy and daddy.
Thank you for helping to Pay it Forward.
