Courtney Tamboer
Growing up in a gang infested area such as Lavender hill not only exposed me to so many things at a young age, it also forced me to see certain situations from various different perspectives. Creative arts,and arts in general has always been my source of focus. It helps me express whatever emotions I may feel in a positive manner and also helps me organise my thoughts and focus my energy on things that interest me.
My mother, who is an excellent singer, always encourages me to take every opportunity that comes my way. My aim is to become a strong and independent young woman who knocks down every obstacle that stands in her way, and also to inspire and motivate young girls to do the same.
My love for dance started at a very young age. I was inspired by my father who is an amazing dancer in his own right. It has developed to a point where I represented Western province in the dssl dance competition last year, a competition I did very well in until a shoulder injury I sustained in the semi-finals forced me to sit the final round. One of the judges of the competition pulled me aside after the competition and had a talk with me that forever changed my life.
In my free time I write short stories, read lots of books and dance as a form of therapy. I love encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves, to become better people and help those around them.
Photoessay
Period poverty... Its a issue that is ignored. This is Lavender Hill a community filled with gang violence... But everyone is a huge family. This community is filled with lots of love...but period poverty is ignored here. Other communities try to help, but it goes in the one ear and out the other. Pictures one and two are in the community a normal day where there is washing on the lines. Period poverty is when you are not able to afford the money for the resources to manage the bleeding. My cousin in(pic three) is not liking what period poverty is doing in our areas. She has friends that don't have pads so she would give back...she would give two packs of pads to them. Did you know that 1 in 5 girls miss school due to this problem we have. Period poverty is widespread. Kenya was ranked one of the poorest countries in the world. 65% of women and girls are unable to afford these products. Ways we can help those in need!! Buy products from brands that gives back Donate to charity Go on marches Sign petitions Raise awareness Donate period products Educate yourself. Why these products should be free It’s stressful and distracting to get them They are very expensive and not everyone can afford it It's saves on waste. Picture four me and my friend would help those girls who couldn't afford these products. We would give them two to three packs in our communities. This helps them for how long their periods. We would buy them with our pocket money and we buy always pads. #Tasks - Courtney Tamboer