- Kaylin Abdol, a KMF scholar from Bishop Lavis, launched her “Strength in Every Spoon” and Women Empowerment project.
- Her initiative provided sanitary care packages and meals to 50 girls and 200 people in her community.
- Supported by Pick n Pay’s Feed the Nation Foundation, Kaylin’s project focuses on empowering young women and giving back to her hometown.
The Baruch-Habah Christian Centre in Bishop Lavis was recently abuzz with hope and activity as Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) scholar Kaylin Abdol (17) launched her “Strength in Every Spoon” and Women Empowerment project.
This initiative is part of the KMF’s Ethical Leadership Campaign, an annual programme that encourages learners to give back to their communities. KMF’s CEO, Lauren Bright, expressed pride in Kaylin’s efforts, stating: “Incorporating ethics and integrity into our curriculum is vital for our learners’ growth. We were thrilled today as Kaylin, one of our 2023 Ethical Leadership Competition winners, officially launched her project.”The Ethical Leadership initiative, which began in 2022, includes a curriculum that teaches integrity, empathy, fairness, and a commitment to positive values that benefit both the organisation and society.
said Kaylin.
“To me, ethical leadership means leading with respect and dignity to the best of your ability.”Kaylin, a Grade 12 learner at Fairbairn College, grew up in Bishop Lavis and understands the struggles many in her community face. She wanted to give back in a way that would empower young women. “As I moved on to Fairbairn College from Bishop Lavis Primary School, with the help of KMF, my community continued to support me, always asking how I was doing in school. I wanted to give back as a sign of gratitude,” she explained.
Personal
Kaylin’s project is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. “One day, while at home, a group of girls knocked on my door and asked if I had a sanitary pad for one of them. It made me realise how fortunate I am that my parents can provide for me, while others my age, or younger, may not have that support. That’s how the idea for a sanitary drive in my community was born.”
With support from Pick n Pay’s Feed the Nation Foundation, Kaylin was able to provide care packages to 50 young girls and feed 200 people through her soup kitchen.
Kaylin shared.
As part of the Ethical Leadership Campaign, Kaylin pitched her idea directly to Pick n Pay, and her efforts paid off. The Feed the Nation Foundation became a key partner in the initiative.
Bright acknowledged their invaluable contribution. “We are truly thankful to Pick n Pay and the Feed the Nation Foundation for giving Kaylin the confidence, resources, and capacity she needed to make this project a massive success.”Anwar Mooideen, CSI and Events Manager at Pick n Pay Western Cape, added: “When we heard Kaylin’s proposal, we realised she is incredibly passionate about her community and eager to improve the lives of the children in her community. As a brand committed to working with and developing children, her vision strongly aligned with our principles and values.”Mooideen concluded: “A heartfelt thank you to KMF and Kaylin for allowing us to partner on this amazing initiative. She is an incredible young woman with a heart of gold, and it was a pleasure working with her and KMF. We look forward to seeing what she will achieve in the future and how we can best support her.”
