By ALANA MITCHELSON
A Belmont teenager has been honoured with an international award for her volunteer work in Uganda.
Former Sacred Heart student Sarah Kenworthy was awarded the Young Women in Public Affairs honour at the annual Zonta Club of Geelong’s awards ceremony, recognising her community work, leadership achievements and dedication to advancing the status of women in both Australia and worldwide.
Last year the 19-year-old volunteered at a health centre in Mannya, Uganda, where she worked as a midwife and helped deliver three babies into the world.
Becoming aware that young girls were often married off as young as 12 and had limited work opportunities, she launched the Light Up Mannya charity campaign.
“The intention was to provide students with solar lights, enabling the pupils to study into the evening helping them to achieve higher marks and overcome poverty through future employment opportunities,“ Ms Kenworthy said.
“With the help of the community we have more than $18,000 to go towards solar lights, all the money fund-raised goes to purchasing solar lights.”
Ms Kenworthy’s achievement has placed her in the running for becoming district winner and, if successful, could be nominated for one of 10 international awards.
Former Northern Bay College student Taylor Smith was honoured with the Sainsbury/Zandren scholarship award for overcoming adversity to complete VCE and receive a tertiary education offer.
Living with a rare disease called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, Ms Smith’s mobility of her upper and lower limbs is restricted.
But her physical limitations have not stopped her from participating fully in school life and was nominated by her school principal, Ken Massari, for the local scholarship award.
“Taylor is a positive role model to her peers on many counts,” Mr Massari said.
“Her determination often exceeds that of students who do not experience the challenges posed by her health.
“She makes every step that she takes a positive one and this award is a chance for her to realise that others see quality in what she does.”
Ms Smith has begun studying an Associate Degree of Arts this week and plans to transfer to a Bachelor of Social Work.
