Maragon Private Schools pupil Abigail van der Sandt (11) has been nominated as one of the finalist in the Miss South Africa Schools 2015 competition.
ADvTECH school’s marketing manager Belinda Espag said pupils from various schools across the nation will compete against each other for the title.
“The competition aims to empower young South African school girls with the necessary knowledge and skills to become successful ambassadors for their community and educational institutions,” said Espag.
Each finalist has to do their own community project as well as an entrepreneurial activity.
“The children should learn that they are responsible for taking the first step toward change,”said Espag.
She said this will also give every girl the opportunity to market their school and show they are true ambassadors of the school.
Espag said the entrepreneurial activity, which will be a fundraiser, is there to test the girls’ entrepreneurial skills.
The girls will also have to make a replica of their school’s logo by decorating a gold or yellow hat.
“The hats will be for the Mad Hatters That Matters childhood cancer project. The hats will be donated to children with cancer to wear once their hair starts to fall out from the chemotherapy,” said Espag.
She added the last thing the girls will have to do to obtain the title, will be an onstage introduction.
“They have to represent and talk about the school and its history,” explained Espag.
She said the girls will be judged on their verbal skills, energy and personalities.
Abigail said her inspiration comes from her family.
She also said one of her projects is to help underprivileged children and asked if anybody can assist with clothes, food, toiletries, cleaning products or other essentials.
The gala evening during which the winner will be announced, will take place on 31 October at the Carousel in Bela Bela.
