Girls inspired to reach for their dreams

Gallery Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - A group of young girls spent an inspiring afternoon this past Saturday, 10 April, at a high tea in Pacaltsdorp where a list of successful local women shared their own knowledge and experience with the youngsters so as to encourage them to reach for their dreams.

The newly established non-profit organisation, Indigo Community Development, chaired by businesswoman Myrtle Sacuenda, organised the event. It was held in Begonia Street at the Fortuin family's home where the courtyard was transformed into a festive venue to make the girls feel special and at home.

"We focus on matriculant girls who do not know what career options and resources are available to them. Indigo works in partnership with SUFF Academy to help these girls obtain further education and training," says Sacuenda.

The academy offers internationally accredited courses.

Girls who dropped out of school because of pregnancy and have lost hope for their own future were also invited. "We want to show these girls that it is possible to get their matric and go on from there to create a better future for themselves. They should not throw in the towel and give up on their dreams because of their past."

Young guests, from left: Wynona Miles, Lucille Carolus and Shermonia Jonas.

Says Sacuenda, "This is our first programme and we named it 'You're the Voice' because as a woman you have a voice to speak up for yourself and your community."

She is rolling out the programme together with Vuyukazi Meleni who is also part of Indigo Community Development. "We hope to start other development programmes later," says Sacuenda.

Watch a video below:

Photo gallery: High Tea for young girls

Guest speakers at the event included George Business Chamber chair Brenda Vorster, retired nurse Georgina Arries, Irene Koegelenberg and Zingiswa Skade of the Department of Social Development.

Myrtle Sacuenda and Vuyakazi Meleni of Indigo Community Development.