Local learner becomes a beacon of hope to the society
"I wanted to remind the youth that we are the future and we should make the world a better and more kind place.”
Hoërskool Jeugland learner Katerina de Oliveira Reis has founded a charity organisation, the Graceful Wings Foundation.
On February 15, she held her first campaign, called Flower Power, where she and her team visited two old homes in Kempton Park to deliver flowers to the elderly who lack family support or are widowed.
“I started the campaign in partial honour of my late grandmother. I aim to spread the love among other citizens. My late grandfather used to always give her flowers before he passed away.
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“She loved anything pretty. She once said I reminded her of a rose. This is why I picked roses, not only because they are generic.
“She was very depressed after her husband passed away, but she had so much shine in her soul. I miss her dearly,” said De Oliveira Reis.
According to De Oliveira Reis, her grandmother always felt alone, and she didn’t want anyone to feel the same way, especially on Valentine’s Day.
“On Valentine’s Day, we raised money through my peers to order roses and deliver them to the Council for the Aged Kempton Park and Stegman Old Age Home.
“I gathered a few volunteers to help me hand out flowers and brighten their day with visitors and a rose.”
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De Oliveira Reis explained her organisation is all about helping our community and reuniting youth.
“Because these days no one my age normally looks up from their phone to analyse the world around them, I wanted to remind the youth that we are the future and we should make the world a better and more kind place.”
She said one of her goals is to see her foundation spread among the whole of Gauteng.
“I see us reaching more of the youth and having the capability to help bigger organisations and places of need and spreading awareness on topics like mental health and domestic violence. I hope we get the opportunity to broaden our funds and reach out to more issues.
“In five years, that mission will be in full action,” added De Oliveira Reis.
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Her teacher, Miss Botha, said De Oliveira Reis has already received generous donations and support.
She has garnered the support of over 200 fellow learners, who have volunteered to assist in her philanthropic efforts.
Through this act, she aims to demonstrate the care and compassion of today’s youth towards the community.
The Graceful Wings Foundation has plans to expand its outreach by involving youth volunteers from Hoërskool Jeugland in various activities, including supporting local businesses, for example collaborating with the SPCA, and organising reading sessions for older adults.
“She is determined to continue her efforts to give back to the community and inspire others to do the same. She is brave to take this project on by herself in her spare time, working on weekends and after-school hours.
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“I have high hopes for De Oliveira Reis and believe that if she wants to make a difference she definitely will.
“De Oliveira Reis’ story is unique and compelling, and we believe it deserves to be shared with the community. We believe De Oliveira Reis’ initiative has the potential to inspire and motivate others,” said Botha.
