Meet the potential ambassadors of SA - applicants applying the first time

Janine Scher

25 years, Wynberg, Sales Assistant at Woolworth (self paid)

I am still very much finding my place in the world. I know that I am strong and capable; I just need to really believe that and prove it to myself. This race is a wonderful opportunity to continue my self-development.

I have learnt a great deal from books; I would now really like the opportunity to `learn from life`. This race will afford me that privilege. I know that I have great potential, but that lack of confidence and fear hold me back. I have been afraid to set goals, but now I am ready to set a big one (i.e. this race).

I have decided that I am tired of missing out on life because of being afraid. I want to face my fears.

Nelson Mandela`s famous words come to my mind:
"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God: your playing small doesn`t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking, so that other people wont feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we our liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others".

It is said that water, and the oceans in particular, have a mystical healing power. Perhaps I too can hope, even in a small way, to experience that magic.

It would be a privilege beyond any of my wildest dreams to experience the majesty, magic and mystique of the seas in an experience such as this.

It would be a great honour to be on an old revered ship like the Christian Radich, that has seen so much of history. I am sure that it has "absorbed" much of the lives of those who have sailed before me. I would love to be part of that history.

If I can do this Race (something I would never have ever imagined possible for myself), then I can do anything I set my mind to! The only limit would be that which I could imagine for myself!

janeen@lantic.net

Claire M Bouah

25 years, Fish Hoek, studying German through UNISA, working part time in retail sector

I`ve been interested in sailing, ships and the ocean ever since I can remember. I love adventure. For me, the ocean holds such beauty, life and is filled with secrets and to have that privilege of discovering that truly is a blessing. I have always admired people who have braved the ocean, air, land for discovery and adventure and have since wanted to do the same.

I`ve been interested in ships and sailing ever since I can remember. I, however never had the money to do any formal sailing courses. My parents are also not in the financial position to support me. My father is a self employed gardener and my mother receives an old age pension.

When I was at high school I used to be part of Ian Ainsley`s sailing development project in Simon`s Town. When we moved from Simon`s Town I had to give it up.

I am still very keen to sail and always look for opportunities to do so. I was very excited when I saw the article in the Cape Argus Job Shop, where I was looking for a job.

I therefore respectfully request to be considered for a Tall Ships Bursary. I promise that I will make the best of the opportunity and that I will work hard.

clairebouah@gmail.com


Jill Williams
25 years, Harfield village, heritage practitioner

I am a colourful, passionate, exceptionally creative and extra-ordinary visionary 25 year old brown South African woman of mixed descent. My family is one of two surviving over three generations who refused to move out during the Apartheid Group Area's Act so my background is firmly rooted in struggle politics and social development in interesting ways.

An Arts journalist(writer,photographer & documentary director) also heritage activist/researcher,vocalist/spoken-written word poet and oral/audio-visual historian including inter-generational workshop facilitator and host for debate of 'Bringing parliament to the people'. My talents are more than adequate for representation for my country anywhere and upon any occassion anyday, in the most unusually and promising revolutionary type kaleidescopic even intriguing way.

I am ambitious, enjoy challenges, can cook for a palace from limited resources, enjoy and feel immense spiritual connection to the ocean, can document and design also make media liason in a powerful way. I am busy completing an album and find pleasure in positive inter-cultural networks, making music, traveling and mobalising the masses and consciousness. I can also sculpt from found objects, conceptualize exhibitions & have much talent in wide variety of arts and crafts also take an interest in tourism and heritage management and environmental awareness campaign...in otherwords a keen Earth medicine preserver, promoter & protecter...I want to sail(physically/spiritually/soulfully/technically), I fight global warming and air/sea/earth pollution...I want to grow in this calling...I long to invent new ways of connecting the continent via the ocean and to tell the stories of the Indian Ocean Slave trade and explore the archives of different nations and make innovative publication from heritage.

When I speak about my country I speak from a non-cliche perspective as my job is such which requires constant deep reflection on a number of issues contributing immensely to the African renaissance of this continent, I am confident in my gift as a tool to heal & assist the globe in understanding from angles previously ignored midst colonialisation and have plenty post Apartheid solutions and remedies inside of me.

powerafrika@yahoo.com


Nozuko Masiba23 years, Guglethu, Volunteer Molo Songololo and Triangle Project

I am a 23 year old female from Guglethu and would like to participate in the Tall Ships’ Race taking place. I am a very out going person, with a willingness attitude to learn as much as possible about the issues affecting young people in South Africa and my community. That’s why I feel that I am the right candidate for taking part in this incredible project

nozuko.masiba@gmail.com


Claire Engelbrecht18 years, Kensington, volunteer MTN Science Center and Cape Town Volunteer Center

I feel that I should be chosen to be part of the SA team to compete in Tall Ships 2008 because I believe that I am the best candidate there is.
Firstly, I am a hard-working, determined and motivated person and I know the value of an opportunity missed. I can assure that given the opportunity, I will prove to be invaluable in the team.

The most important value I possess is integrity. I always strive to do the right thing even when no one is looking. I honestly believe that if you stand for nothing, you’ll fall for anything.

I’m really sounding serious now, aren’t I? Well, I know that there’s a time and a place for everything and I know how to have fun too. I’m certain that this trip will have it’s tough times and rough moments, but I think I can handle it. I am tough enough.

On closing, I would just like to mention that not choosing me will be a big mistake! If I am given the opportunity you will not be disappointed, this I can promise.

Thank you for your time.

clairee@smartcape.org.za

clr.engelbrecht@gmail.com


Rowan Martin


23 years, Kenwyn, driver at Mercedes Benz

Dearest family, friends, those i dont know, those i know.

My name is Rowan Martin, 23 years of age and im a candidate for the experience to change ones life multi culturally and internationally. I grew up with alot of hurt and pain from the closest to me and ended being a drug addict and alcoholic for about 6 years. Since the miracle that i have received that has a changed my life for the better for about 5 years now, i have a heart to change many others like me or in situations that seem impossible to change. I have sailed on the Doulos ship to many countries doing volenteer work in means of helping those less fortunate and even without. Building houses, schools, giving hope to those that are lost and bring life to those who seem lifeless. Since my life has changed this has been my hearts desire.

I now have another opportunity to go out there but this time in a diferent way but for a purpose still great. I have an opportunity to represent SA internationally in the Tall Ships race taking place in the next few months. I believe that by the experince that i have gained that this is a great opportuntiy to invest into others lives, change others lives and make an impact that will last forever. While sailing i have gained professional skills working on the ship and that in itself is another skill that i can input into others lives that i would possibly be working with. With all of this and believe me there's way more i want to represent SA, the people who we truely are and where we come from. I want to go out there on behalf of you all and work hard, stand proud and make a diference. While here in SA i havnt had the best opportunities to represent and shine to others, so i feel kind of in the dark but here is one at my finger tips, please HELP ME in any way to go out there and represent not just me or SA but YOU as well, we all make a diference. On your behalf id like to make diference and shine as bright as i can.

THANK YOU

Serving on your behalf

Rowan Martin

charlene@cornerstone.org.za
mirowmar@hotmail.com

Shafeeqah Salie
25 years, graduate currently doing entrepreneurial ventures in cultural tourism, Bo-Kaap

"Hi I am Shafeeqah. I have been involved in many social development projects using sport as a life skills facilitator or tool to break down social barriers in underprivileged communities and would like to participate in the Tall Ships Race so I can gain experience and use the skill to facilitate further projects locally. I also feel that the opportunity will allow me to network that could result in relationships for future social projects to be established in South Africa.

As an adventurer I would LOVE to gain sailing expertise, to experience the open sea, meet new people and make a Tall Ship my home for a while.

I feel people neglect the environment because they are detached from it, one of the most powerful ways of making people conscious of the impact we are having on the planet is increasing their awareness of nature, what we are destroying, encouraging people to leave the big city and see the world.

I am also a photographer and would like to use photography as a window for creating awareness about culture, current affairs, global warming and poverty. I am hard working, a team player and goal driven. I know I can be a good ambassador & spokesperson for the South African team so that there is increase awareness of this event and will eventually translate in sponsorship for the South African Tall Ships Race team and maybe even acquiring a South African Tall Ship in the future!!!"

shafeeqahsalie@yahoo.com


Kazlin Warner

25 years, plumber’s mate, Hout Bay

“I personally think that the Tall Ships Race is a unique program. It will be a great opportunity to meet people from around the world and to learn their cultures. I feel it will be a great challenge both physically and mentally. I enjoy being part of a team working towards a specific goal. The ocean has been part of my family life for many generations. So, I feel there is a special connection there. I am passionate, creative; strong- minded person. I am a highly motivated and reliable candidate.”

kazikin@gmail.com

Bongani Mooi

20 years, Gugulethu, part time jobs

“My interests are swimming, hiking and canoeing. I like all kinds of watersport. At the moment I am doing casual part time jobs and volunteering at a canoeing project in Hout Bay. I teach kids how to swim and to paddle. I want to take part in the Tall Ships’ Race to overcome my fears and change my life and bring something back to my community.”

bongani.mooi@gmail.com

Luyanda Skweyiya

21 years, Gugulethu, unemployed

"Gugulethu is known as a place of gangsters.. I do accept it cause I see it everyday. In my neighbourhood there is a high rate of unemployment and crime. The reason I want to be chosen is because I want to move in a right path. If I wanted to be in the wrong path I would be doing crime and end up in jail. I believe everyone is brought into this world to be part of something. I want to be chosen because I am people's person. The people around me love me because I am known for being a good kid. And yes I wanna prove a point. I want to show my fellow township friends you can go anywhere if you put your heart to it…"

luyanda.skweyiya@gmail.com

We are busy interviewing further applicants so watch this space to meet other applicants.

The deadline for applications is extended till 20 April 08. Apply now if you are interested!

And by the way: up to know all applicants cannot afford to pay for themselves. They are now working hard to find sponsorships. Give them a hand!

Use the donate button on this page, contact us if you can help in any other way!