The students were selected in a competition where the essays they wrote were judged the most outstanding.

The five will join students from across the world at Usher's New Look Foundation 2012 World Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The conference takes place from June 19 to 23.

The selected students are:

- Kalisha Bheemraj and Ashlin Bheemraj, both of Sunward Park High School (Gauteng);

- Ntai Thatho of Kgotlathuto Secondary School (Free State),

- Brilliant Manyathi of Lethulwazi Comprehensive School (Gauteng) and

- Rorisang Moseli of St Benedict's College (Gauteng).

The five were selected from 12 schools in Gauteng and Free State.

To qualify, the students had to attend the Powered by Service training offered by New Look, which took place in March this year.

On top of that, the they were asked to write three 500-word essays answering the questions: How can you use your talents and education to impact your community?; how will attending the world leadership conference have an impact on your life?; and what do you think are the top issues facing your generation?

The pupils selected to attend the World Leadership Conference were chosen by an independent committee in the US.

"When I was informed that I was selected, it felt good. I am so happy and feel that this is a great honour to represent my country at this level. I expect to come back with leadership skills that I will impart to my immediate community in Free State," said Thatho.

Kalisha Bheemraj said: "For me, let alone going to the US, this will be the first time in fact I will be on a plane. I worked hard to get this opportunity as I was so serious about the assignment right from the beginning".

"My family are so happy for me. In fact, they seem to be happier than I am, especially my father."

New Look Foundation focuses on certifying young people in the four leadership pillars of talent, education, career and service. Locally it is supported by the Tim Tebeila Foundation, a non-profit organisation .

"Once back on June 24 we expect them to start imparting the knowledge they would have learnt from this conference right away.

"We will continue to support them locally through further training," said Buhle Dlamini of the Tim Tebeila Foundation, who will accompany the five pupils to the conference.

This article was first published in the Sowetan newspaper on 8 June 2012

Comments

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Thu May 23 09:18:18 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 11, 2012

RobinH

An excellent initiative. Thanks Usher.
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Jun 11, 2012

JUBJUB

Well done
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Jun 11, 2012

truthhurt

Are they all girls? RED ALERT! RED ALERT! RED ALERT!
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Jun 11, 2012

1723nevus24

do it for the mother land Mr.Raymond
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Jun 11, 2012

PORQUENOMEQUIERES

@truthhurt
Dont worry abuti,he likes older woman the girls will be safe. kikikikiki!
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Jun 11, 2012

Tabza325is

@truthhurt, hahaha... he just sent RKelly an invite.
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Jun 11, 2012

Mnikie

well done .u did a great a job.

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Jun 11, 2012

truthhurt

Tabza325is
@truthhurt, hahaha... he just sent RKelly an invite
========================================================
Oh yes, u just reminded me, he is friends with R Kelly, they did that song together, "Some Girl" those girls are in real trouble. SOS!
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Jun 11, 2012

masende

ND SO WHAT THERE IS NO KZN HERE TSEK
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Jun 11, 2012

masende

ND SO WHAT THERE IS NO KZN HERE AG
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