At just 17, La’iqah Daames from Arcadia High School in Bonteheuwel is already making waves as a young community leader. She is the face of The Young & The Hopeful NPC. This organisation distributes over 100 sanitary packs every month and leads food and stationery drives in disadvantaged areas.
With Women’s Month in full swing, Daames is now organising a pamper day for elderly women, proving that youth-led change is not just possible, it’s thriving. Speaking to VOC News about her inspiration, Daames shared how her own struggles sparked the initiative:
“When I had my first period, I didn’t have a sanitary pad to use. My mom helped me cut up pieces of cloth, but it was uncomfortable. That experience made me think of how many other girls go through this daily,” she explained.
Supported by her parents and grandmother, Daames formalised her efforts into a Non-Profit Company (NPC). Once she turns 18 in October, she will officially become a director of The Young and The Hopeful.
Despite her age, Daames faces the challenges of running an NPC head-on, noting that most donations come from their own fundraising efforts, such as assisting with ID appointments for a small donation.
“We don’t have big sponsors. My mom and I help people book ID or passport appointments, and they donate R50. That’s how we fund most of our drives,” she said.
Social media has played a key role in her success. Daames uses Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok to share posters and videos of their previous drives, encouraging the community to donate. “We make TikTok videos so people can see exactly where their donations are going,” she said.
Her efforts have touched many lives across areas like Bonteheuwel, Manenberg, and Mitchells Plain. “The smiles on their faces make it all worthwhile. The kids always ask when the next drive will be,” she added.
The organisation will also be hosting a ‘Snack and Relax Day’ on Women’s Day for the elderly. If you would like to support Daames’ work, you can contact her or her mom, Nawhaal Daames, at 063 430 7691 or email info.tyath@gmail.com.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm
