AFTER initiating 12 charity drives, the winner of the International Junior Miss Teen South Africa, Leigh Human from Humansdorp, hopes to inspire young people in her neighbourhood to look beyond their circumstances, and, follow their dreams instead.
Human, a grade 12 pupil at Nico Malan High School, was crowned International Junior Miss Teen South Africa in the 16 to 18 year old category in Sun City recently.
She said the pageant was nerve-racking, because she did not know what to expect.
Fortunately, her friend from Humansdorp also participated in the pageant, which helped her feel more at ease.
“When I was announced winner in my age category, I felt so proud of myself and blessed beyond measure,” said Human.
“I asked God to grant me this opportunity, and indeed He entrusted me with this huge title.”
Human said she wanted to be a blessing to others and to make a difference in at least one person’s life, which she believes is the meaning behind being the Junior Miss South Africa.
As part of the build-up to the beauty pageant in Sun City, Human was required to compile a portfolio, which included giving back to the community in the form of charity.
With the assistance of her family, friends and members from the Humansdorp Police Station, she successfully implemented 12 charity drives in Humansdorp.
“I believe in beauty with a purpose. Pageants and beauty contests are not just about walking the ramp or showing off your beauty, but more about charity and exercising our humanity,” said Human.
She further said during each charity drive she noticed the needs of her community and that people were suffering in poverty.
“I realised that I cannot change the world or Humansdorp, but I can help one person at a time. The small amount of charity is a blessing to others,” said Human.
She said she had always had a soft spot for the younger generation and planned to apply to various universities to study towards obtaining her Bachelor of Law and specialising in children’s rights.
Human said she had noticed a major issue with alcohol abuse among parents in her area, which has resulted in many children roaming around in the streets by themselves.
During one of Human’s charity drives she provided 12 children in her area with homemade burgers and juice.
“Young people in Humansdorp should not look at the current circumstances at home or in our neighbourhood, but they should strive to rise above it all,” she said.
In another charity initiative, Human identified a woman in need in her area and proceeded to do a grocery drive for essential items.
With the help of goods donated by her family and friends, she was able to donate groceries to the woman in need.
“This woman really touched my heart and it helped me have a clear understanding of the purpose behind doing charity work,” she said.
Human will be representing South Africa at the International Junior Miss in June 2021, about which she is very excited.
