SOS Africa Operations Manager Li-andi Claassen shares the inspirational story of SOS Africa sponsored child and rising star, Meyah Clarke…
When I joined SOS Africa in 2019, there was one young girl who stood out from the crowd – Meyah. With her pigtails and infectious smile, Meyah was always full of love and possessed a passion for reading that was unmatched. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Meyah was more than just a student – she was a natural leader, a nurturing big sister to who was always willing to lend a helping hand at our Education Centre.
From a young age, Meyah showed signs of being a natural born leader. She was not only a hard worker but also had a heart of gold and a drive to succeed. Although she was often too hard on herself, as the years went by, Meyah learned to find balance and focus on her strengths.
Now, after supporting her for 6 years, Meyah has blossomed into an incredible young woman. She embodies qualities of determination and perseverance, pushing herself to excel not only academically but in all areas of her life. Whether she is delivering a powerful message at an assembly, captivating audiences in drama productions, or dominating the netball court, Meyah gives her all and always leaves a lasting impression.
Meyah’s hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Last month, she proudly announced her selection as the Chair of the Representative Council of Learners (RCL). But her accomplishments didn’t stop there – a few weeks later, she was chosen as head girl of her school for 2026. Her school, Hottentots Holland High, also recognised her leadership qualities and nominated her to participate in the prestigious Die Burger & Netwerk24 Youth Leaders Conference.
Meyah’s positive mindset and relentless drive have propelled her towards a bright and successful future. She was thrilled to discover that she had been selected alongside 47 other candidates from across the country to attend the conference in December. Her journey of success is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
I am incredibly proud of Meyah and all that she has accomplished. Her story is one of determination, resilience, and success. As she continues to reach new heights and conquer new challenges, I have no doubt that she will inspire others to follow in her footsteps. Meyah is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. Her future is bright, and I can’t wait to see all that she will accomplish when she graduates from SOS Africa’s sponsorship programme next year.
