Hero's Name: Ray Schone

Accolade Type: Community Accolade

Applauded for: Uplifting rural children & youth

Nominated By: Alexis Salaman

Holding a firm belief that children are not things that should be moulded, but are people to be unfolded, Ray Schöne co-founded the education non-profit organisation and public benefit organisation 'Youth Potential South Africa’ (YOUPSA) in 2015. YOUPSA awakens the creativity, potential and purpose in young people. Ray runs Literacy and Afterschool Enrichment Programmes in the De Rust area for disadvantaged children on farms and in locations. He found that most poverty stricken children have no exposure to any kind of art, creative skills development, discussion or problem-solving atmosphere where their inner spark is ignited, and hardly anybody addresses this gap. Over the years he has developed programmes that nurture social emotional skills and that contain a variety of arts, drama, team and leadership building activities and interactive maths learning. Ray feels that all children are naturally hungry to learn. When they are provided with a safe environment and trusting relationships, where they can express themselves freely and be creative, they thrive. Right now he is particularly passionate about establishing book and reading clubs in the rural communities. Children so love learning from Ray because of his warm nature and exciting ideas. He instils an atmosphere of trust and fun, where the children can develop greater confidence, self-esteem and a sense of purpose. It takes a network to help a child unfold their full potential. He hopes that more members of the community wish to get involved to empower our children in this way. Contact Ray on 076 123 3832.