Cinderella Goes toProm changes lives

The ‘Cinderella Goes to Prom’ initiative helps matric girls from underprivileged backgrounds to attend their matric farewells.

Started in 2017, the initiative has so far helped 42 pupils and is looking to help eight more this year.

“This initiative was influenced by the loss of two former classmates who passed soon after completing high school. . . It was through them that I learned the importance of matric farewell dances,” says founder Elizabeth Ipinge.

Iipinge emphasised her conviction to use her God-given talents to serve others.

“What started with one girl, has grown into helping 42 girls and one boy,” she says.

A matric farewell is a formal school event where students come together at the end of their matric year to officially say goodbye.

The farewell makeover includes a dress, make-up, accessories, hair-styling, make-up, transport and more.

This year, the project will be launching three more sub-projects, which will actively look at the customised and receiver-centred mentorship and training approach for the girls, education-based fundraising and the active partnership and activities with girls with disabilities.

Iipinge, along with her sisters Nadia Malima and Magrietha Shivute, funded the initiative from their own pockets.

“I would like to express gratitude to past partners and everyone who donated anything,” she says.

Due to Covid-19 and subsequent changes in the curriculum, the project took an unexpected break, but promises to continue.

The initiative also faced challenges, including dishonesty from some applicants and beneficiaries.

“This dishonesty takes opportunities away from children who truly need it,” she says.

Ipinge says they would like to expand, but the project currently has no office or studio space.

Many of the girls supported by the initiative have gone on to become tertiary education graduates and are now building their futures in various sectors.

“One of our sponsors for this year was also a Cinderella Goes to Prom beneficiary herself,” Iipinge says.

Applications for this initiative are now open.

“They only have to submit their completed applications with N$50 which contributes towards administrative expenses. This initiative is currently only available to schools in Windhoek, but it is our future goal to expand to other regions,” Iipinge says.

“Working together and involving youth in initiatives like these is crucial. By empowering young girls, we create a better future for our communities,” she concludes.

– UnWrap.Online