Chloe-Jade Preston (12)
Chloe-Jade is a Grade 6 learner at Summerwood Primary School.
In a letter sent to the Express by her school’s ICT Head, Bronwen Jonson, she has said that Chloe-Jade is one of those remarkable kids who, no matter what life throws at her, continues to rise.
“Her Granny, with whom she lives, made us aware of the charity work which she started in Grade 5 in 2024. Early in 2024, Chloe-Jade had a heartfelt idea — to give something special to children who have nothing at Christmas. She always prays for those living on the streets and those in need,” the letter said.
The letter said Chloe-Jade had started collecting teddies and asked her Granny to find out which organisation needed them the most.
The letter also revealed that this year, as a part of the Mr and Miss Eastern Cape Primary Schools Competition, Chloe-Jade has gone above and beyond.
She has done the following:
• Asked her uncle to sponsor cupcakes so that she could spoil the SAPS and also gave some to the Netcare Casualties.
• Helped at a soup kitchen; she also collected blankets and handed them out.
• Donated clothes and Bibles to a family who lost their home in a fire.
• Handed out toys and spent time at the Livingstone Paediatric Ward.
Ethan Fourie (9)
Ethan Fourie, also known as The Recycling Kid, has loved nature from a very early age.
He started recycling from preschool years and has continued doing so into his primary school years.
He decided to start “The Recycling Kid” at age 8 to educate, motivate, and encourage young and old to look after the environment. He adds great value to glass recycling initiatives and promotes them.
He encouraged many businesses in Gqeberha to join in the recycling initiatives as well. Ethan attends many beach clean-ups and encourages his peers and businesses to join in.
He is well-known among many schools, organisations such as WESSA, The Glass Recycling Company, and local communities. He has made a large impact on businesses at Baywest Mall, such as Pick n Pay, Spur, John Dory’s, Panarottis, and Rocomamas, to name a few.
He has over 2,200 followers on Facebook and uses this to educate and document his journey of keeping our planet green.
He attends Kabega Primary School, which is also a well-known Green Initiative School. Ethan is also the winner of the Pick n Pay National Environmental Awareness Hero Award 2024.
He has also received many accolades from his school concerning environmental awareness. It is a continuous journey that will surely grow from here.
Tian Diedericks (18)
Tian Diedericks is an 18-year-old cyclist and a cancer survivor. His journey through illness has inspired him to dedicate his life to helping others.
Tian chose to turn his story into a source of hope, using his love for cycling to raise awareness and funds for various causes. Tian is more than an athlete — he is a motivational speaker and a mentor to those in need of guidance and encouragement.
He rides not only for personal achievement but also to support meaningful initiatives, proving that sport can be a powerful tool for change. When he’s not behind his books or training on his bike, Tian volunteers at Gardmed ambulance services.
With aspirations of becoming a paramedic after school, he continues to put others first, always seeking ways to be of service.
Driven by his own experiences and a deep desire to uplift others, Tian lives by the motto: “Be the difference.”
