Penryn Ambassador competition aims to bring social change
"It is definitely not a beauty contest."
MBOMBELA – Thirty boys and girls will have the opportunity on March 19 to show why they deserve to be crowned a Penryn Ambassador.
“It is definitely not a beauty contest. It is a way for the children to develop certain skills, to be proud ambassadors for the school and, most of all, it is a platform for them to make a difference,” explained Joanie Whitfield.
The competition will be held for the first time in the school’s history. Whitfield has been the head of community services at Penryn for the past seven years, and is very proud of the competition and the initiatives that the students have brought forward.
“The finalists are nominated by the school. Every learner has to collect R1 500 and do 10 hours’ community service before the big event,” Whitfield explained. The finalists are made up of 10 grade nine to 10 girls, 10 grade 11 to 12 girls and
10 grade nine to 12 boys.
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Two of these finalists, Matete Mabaso (15) and Joshua Clarke (15), decided to use the platform to voice their opinion on sexual assault.
They have started selling T-shirts in and around the school with the slogan, “What I wear is not consent”, aiming to raise awareness surrounding gender-based violence.
“It started with the #MeToo movement,” the pair said. They have been selling these T-shirts and hosting a variety of events in support of their own movement.
According to Whitfield, the proceeds from the evening will go to Penreach’s 2019 Play Day. Along with showcasing the finalists, the event will also have an auction to raise more funds, as well as a performance by a former The Voice contestant, Lara Gear.
Tickets for the event, that will be held at Penryn Chapel, cost R80 for adults and R50 for pupils. Tickets can be purchased at the school and the show starts at 18:30. Matete and Joshua also decided to sell their shirts, to the public at R100 per shirt. To order a shirt Whitfield can be contacted at jwhitfield@penryn.co.za.
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