GRADE 10 learner Zahra Raja of Grosvenor Girls High School hopes to be a representative of South African youth as she competes for the opportunity of a lifetime, to accompany Minister of Education Sipho Hlomuka to the G20 Summit in November.

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The Department of Education invited learners to join a speech competition on the topic of how young people should be included in global decision-making. Zahra was quick to seize the opportunity and share her vision for empowerment and equality among young people.

“I decided to take part in the competition because I identified an opportunity to amplify the voice of young people today. I am really passionate about equality, especially among young people,” said Zahra.

As part of the competition, Zahra had to compose and give a speech, then post the video on her school’s Facebook page. “I did my research to establish how much impact the younger generation has in decision-making with topics that affect us directly. I constructed a speech with my own factual understanding,” she said.

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Time was against her, but Zahra did not allow that to deter her. “The biggest challenge I experienced was time constraint since the video had to be uploaded soon after I found out about the competition, but due to my commitment to the cause and perseverance, I pushed through,” she said.

A balanced learner, Zahra is more than just an academic achiever. She’s a first team hockey player, sits on the executive committee of the school Christian association and sacrifices her Saturdays at extra lessons. “I’m a very hardworking and dedicated learner, but in my spare time I do enjoy reading and spending time with my dog,” she said.

Zahra said this opportunity is important to her because she believes that young people should be considered when speaking on global matters. “I want to encourage not only the government but also adults, including parents, to take the youth more seriously. We are not only the leaders of tomorrow, but we are the leaders of today, who need to be shaped and given the opportunity to showcase our potential,” she said.

Zahra added that it would be an honour for her to accompany the Minister of Education and represent her fellow learners. “It is an opportunity of a lifetime to not only attend but be a symbol of hope to all learners that hard work pays off,” she said.

Zahra is calling on the community to help her represent not only herself and her school but the entire community at this summit.

How to vote:

To vote visit the Grosvenor Girls High School Facebook page and like and share Zahra’s video.  The video can be found by clicking on this link https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DtBvnFSgq/

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