Willowmoore High Interact Club best in the district

The Benoni Rotary Club president and past district governor (PDG) Annie Steijn has lauded the Willowmoore High School Interact Club for its ongoing commitment to bettering the lives of the needy in their community.

Rotary recently recognised the club with two awards at its district conference in Sabie – the best interact club in the district and the best project for their vegetable garden that helps 22 families, the Salvation Army and other community feeding projects.

“Our district comprises Mozambique, Botswana, Eswatini and four South African provinces. The Willowmoore High Interact Club did very well, and the recognition is well deserved as the best club in the district,” said Steijn.

The club’s president, Mahnoor Farooqi, thanked the Benoni Rotary Club for the awards and acknowledged their hard work and efforts in changing people’s lives.

She encouraged young people to take the lead in their communities and help those in need, adding good deeds should be done from the heart and not for recognition.

“As humans, we want to be acknowledged for the good we do. We should put it aside and look deep inside ourselves and see how we can make a small change to help someone.

“Whether it is giving a smile or saying good morning to a stranger; it is little values that make you the bigger person.”

Aasimah Seedat, last year’s president, said the main aim of the vegetable garden was to help those in need.

“It is an honour to receive the award, but our aim was not the award. It was to help the people who needed help. It is about the good morals and values we can spread to others about giving back and ensuring we help those in need,” said Seedat.

Steijn said she was inspired to hear these youngsters take the lead.

“They talk like true Rotarians. We appreciate all the work they do. If we get a project, they are always available to assist the community. It is inspirational to hear such young girls take the lead to do things in the community,” she said.

The school’s interact club coordinator, Sheryl Naidoo, explained the accolades mean the learners are progressing and making a difference; adding their success proves there is hope for the future.

She emphasised the importance of teaching young people about community involvement, saying such projects are crucial for community building.

“We can build their self-esteem. We can then create interest and develop their abilities as well. Because of that, many have found the right career paths,” she said.

“A previous member of our interact club now works for the Department of International Relations and goes into different countries to help others.

“It is this club and our projects that took her to this position. Some of our past members have opened their own NPOs and NGOs because of the passion developed here.”

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