Vryheid KZN: Vryheid has its own WLF ambassador
She understands the struggles of children who attend school in rural and less fortunate areas
World Literacy Day was celebrated around the globe on September 8 and Vryheid’s very own World Literacy Foundation (WLF) Ambassador, S’negugu Hadebe (26), was selected as one of the ambassadors to represent South Africa.
The WLF is an international non-profit organisation that strives to ensure that every individual has the ability to access reading materials to enhance their reading skills and enable them to reach their full potential. The foundation supplies educational resources and literacy tutoring to the less fortunate, especially children who are struggling to read and write. They empower people to advocate for literacy in their own communities.
S’negugu had to apply as an ambassador and she was chosen from 4500 other applicants to represent South Africa. The screening process was difficult, as she had to give a possible solution for the lack of literacy and poor education problems in South Africa.
She understands the struggles of children who attend school in rural and less fortunate areas, even though she was fortunate enough to attend Vryheid High School. S’negugu is originally from a poor rural community, and this is her main reason for wanting to give back to her community and give those who didn’t have the same opportunities she had the chance to also excel in life.
She had to undergo online training from the World Literacy Foundation and from September, she has to start with charity drives / fund-raising events, where she will collect old or new books to donate to schools. She is currently also assisting matric pupils in applying for university financial aid and possible scholarships. After her training, which ends in October, S’negugu will become part of a pilot project in Ghana to empower people in Africa. This will be in conjunction with ambassadors from Ghana and Germany, whom she’s met through the programme. This young woman still has big dreams, since she is currently enrolled for her post-graduate degree in Psychology.
“People shouldn’t focus too much on their backgrounds and where they originated from, but focus on where they are going. Read books – read anything you can find – because knowledge is power and broadens your horizons,” are the words of a true ambassador.
Vryheid is proud to have a young woman like S’negugu Hadebe in their midst who wants to make a difference in young and less fortunate children’s lives.
ALSO READ: February 5 – World Read Aloud Day – A day to remember
Make sure you follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates
