Local philanthropist encourages girl power
A male dominated world is becoming a thing of the past, with women adding their compassionate touch to our environment.
This is evident within the ranks of St Dominics Newcastle’s Power Circle.
A power circle is an initiative formed by Leave No Girl Behind founders, Haseena and Shameema Patel. The idea behind the group is to offer school girls a support structure, where they can flourish and contribute to society.
On Tuesday, February 6, the St Dominics Power Circle received a visit from Ruth Lovelock.
Over the years, Lovelock has contributed immensely to Newcastle’s destitute community. She is most well known for helping Newcastle’s street children.
During her visit with the Power Circle, Lovelock shared her story and why she believes it is important to help others.
“My story begins years ago when I went to buy KFC for my sons. While paying, I saw these little children outside shivering in the rain.”
Her heart went out to them, her maternal instincts kicking in. She approached the children and told them to meet her the following day. Lovelock then approached friends and family, getting them to contribute to her cause in helping them.
This small gesture culminated in the establishment of Thembelihle Youth and Child Care Centre, which recently closed after 15 years of existence.
Lovelock has even assisted car guards, getting sponsorship to buy orange safety vests and hats. “Car guards are interesting people. They always have a smile on their faces, even though they go to work most days without having breakfast.”
Describing her journey, Lovelock’s message was one of love and kindness. “Have you ever thought of important you are? Sometimes you need to move out of your comfort zone to help others,” she said.
Encouraging the girls to reach out, helping the poor, Lovelock reminded them that poverty has many faces.
“Poverty isn’t just about being financially poor. It can be elderly residents living in an old age home who have not had a visitor for months. Sometimes a simple smile might just be what a person needs to make a bad week better.”
The Power Circle is now looking at embarking on charitable projects, looking at old age homes and the destitute as a start. But while the Power Circle is preparing to help others, it seems the purpose behind the charity lies on the inner teachings of compassion.
“Power circles empowers young girls and interacting with the community. It shows we are not diamonds in the rough, and must not be stereotyped by boys,” said Asma Karrim.
Asma also claims girls are often misjudged by male family members and friends. Yet, she emphasises girls play an integral part of society and their softness was often their strength.
Shazana Badloo said through being a part of a power circle, girls are reminded of the importance of helping others. “Helping people forms a big part of our daily lives, as it helps us to participate in the community and enhance our natural abilities.”
Jenitha Raghoo, St Dominics Newcastle educator and power circle leader, said community projects helped the girls immensely.
“It helps them grow as individuals. As we aim to develop future leaders, the power circle makes them aware of the needs of the community.”
Raghoo also claims that because people are often oblivious to their surroundings, by exposing the girls to the needs of others, the learners are able to become more community orientated and compassionate.
