Reaching for their dreams

The GCN recently had the opportunity to sit down and talk to the Botes family.

The three Parkhill Gardens siblings have huge opportunities waiting for them in 2015 and took the time to explain just what they will be getting up to in June, July and August, next year.

The eldest sister, Tammi (16), a visual art student at the National School of the Arts, and Kyle (13), a Grade Eight councillor at Alberton High School, have been selected to be a part of the SA Scout contingent to participate in the 23rd World Scout Jamboree, in Yamaguchi, Japan, from July 28 to August 8, 2015.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” explained their mother, Vanessa.

“This cultural exchange is designed in such a way that you can attend it only between the ages of 14 and 17 years, as a Scout and it is spaced out every fourth year, taking place in a different country each time.

“Next year, they are expecting 30 000 children from countries all over the world to attend.”

Tammi briefly explained the process that she and Kyle went through to be selected for this amazing opportunity,

“The application process started in August, this year,”she said.

“We both had to reach a certain level within Scouts to even be considered.”

This will be the first time that either of them will travel overseas and both are incredibly excited.

“We are both obsessed with Anime and technology, so we can’t wait to get to Japan,” said Tammi, with Kyle agreeing whole-heartedly.

“Scouting and Girl Guides have been a part of all three of my children’s lives since they were little, and they have empowered my children to have good moral values and ethics,” said Vanessa.

“Of all the lessons they have learnt the discipline and confidence to know that they can make a difference in this world have been the most important.”

The event sees children split into different camps, giving them the opportunity to learn more about each other and each child’s home.

Food, badges stories and memories are just a few of the things that these campers will be able to swop and share.

“I am looking forward to learning a new language or two,” said Tammi with a smile.

“I just can’t wait to have fun,” added Kyle enthusiastically.

Attention now turns to the youngest, Aimee (12), a Grade Seven RCL member at Colin Mann Primary School.

She recently participated in a local talent search contest that she heard about through her dance teacher, Renata van den Heever of Renata’s School of Dance.

She had a prepared monologue and dance on hand, as she auditioned for the National School of the Arts recently, and was accepted to participate in the Anua Talent Competition, that took place at the Springs Theatre, in August.

From there she was moved on to the next round of auditions for dance, acting and modeling by the ARTS (Applause Rising Talent Showcase) regional director, Elsubie de Lange, for the International Talent Showcase that took place at La Toscana, at Monte Casino, on October 17 and 18.

“De Lange, who is also the director of Just You Model and Artist Management, auditions more than 1 200 artists throughout South Africa to ensure the best talent in our country performs at the International Talent Showcase.

“From this showcase only about 450 are finally selected for this prestigious event,” explained an excited Aimee.

International talent scout and director of the ARTS Convention, Kim Myers, along with Nate Butler, recording artist and the current A and R for The ‘X’ Factor US season 3 and America’s Got Talent, and Stone and Tashia Stafford, song-writer/producers, and CEO of Icon Studios, flew out from the USA to attend the ITS.

“Myers scouts a specific type of artist and model who she believes has what it takes to make an international breakthrough.

“Myers is highly connected to the performing arts industry, and fashion industry spanning New York, Milan and Hong Kong.

Her list of credits include Disney, Nicklelodeon, Desperate Housewives, Grays Anatomy, 90210, The Avengers and Step Up 3D,” explained Vanessa briefly.

After the gruelling local audition Aimee was scouted by Kim to attend the ARTS in Orlando, Florida, between June 17 and 21 in 2015.

Opportunities like these sadly come with a hefty price tag.

Fund-raising for this level of commitment is a mammoth task, but the family has come together to make it happen.

“Tammi has designed and is hand screening T-shirts of SA’s most endangered species with the help of her art teacher, for the public and corporations to buy, instead of asking for donations.

“The profit raised will, hopefully be sufficient to attend these life-changing events and positively affect our local communities upon returning home,” said Vanessa.

The family will have to sell roughly 1 200 T-shirts to enable the siblings to attend these prestigious events.

“I am also selling other handmade items to raise funds,” explained Tammi

Sponsorships are also welcomed by the family, both private and corporate.

If you are interested in purchasing a T-shirts, or other handmade items, or assisting in any of the fund-raising endeavors call Vanessa on 011 827-4543 or e-mail: ssen@neomail.co.za

The family thanks those who have come forward already to help the sibling reach their dreams, wether through sponsorship or support.

These include: First Germiston Scout Group, First Lambton Scout Group, Germburg Ranger Crew, Scouting SA, Girl Guides South Africa, Anua Music School, Renata School of Dance, Lindsay Fothergill, Just You Model and Artist, Applause International, TW Packaging, Shanduka Enterprise, Protea Hotels, A Holman Trading and Texamo Spur.