Proving the word useless doesn’t apply to anyone
With the year drawing to a close and many of us re-evaluating our lives and careers for the new year, this is a feel good story that reminds us about the importance of believing in ourselves and others and never giving up on our dreams.
Cape Town, 6 November 2014: Recently, an aspiring young singer, Raheela Abdool, entered a popular South African singing contest. The judges weren’t impressed. One of them even went as far as to call her “useless” in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers.
Touched by Raheela’s story, leading financial services group, Sanlam, approached Ard Matthews to produce a song that would give her a second chance to prove to herself, and to others, that the word useless doesn’t apply to anyone.
Naturally introverted, the 27-year old Human Resources graduate from Durban was motivated to audition for the show to make a difference for herself. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, that I had the potential to be even more.” She hadn’t anticipated the harsh reaction of the panel of judges.
“When we read about what had happened to Raheela in the media and across social networks we connected with her at an emotional level, because we believed there was an individual who we could make a difference to,” explains Yegs Ramiah, chief executive of Sanlam Brand.
Matthews describes the gesture as one of upliftment and empowerment. When someone tells you that you are not what you thought you could be it breaks your self-esteem. “This initiative is a testament to what can be done with the right nurturing and the right care,” he says.
Raheela expressed her gratitude to all those involved. She says she has gained her confidence back through the experience, which she describes as amazing, and is looking forward to sharing her journey and song with everyone. “The song talks to everyday life and what people go through. It makes you realise everyone has good and bad days and lifts your spirit,” Raheela says.
Comments Matthews: “I have personally had good and bad days in the office and so it was easy for me to relate to Raheela’s story, I’m sure it will be easy for everyone to relate. It was nice to go against what somebody had been told. I’ve seen far too many people, singers in particular, who have given up on their dreams because one person told them they couldn’t do it and they believed that for their entire lives.”
Sanlam is excited to share Raheela’s story as it sends a powerful message that resonates with individuals everywhere. “It’s about recognising the potential within yourself and using that potential to live your best possible life. It is what our brand is about. It is a brand that talks to ordinary South Africans. It’s about starting with yourself and believing that you’re capable of more and not allowing the perception of others to dictate your own self-worth. As a nation, it is so important for us to contribute positively to each other and to help nurture and grow each other,” says Ramiah.
The story of Raheela’s journey has been captured in the documentary which can be viewed below.
Listen to the song here:
Source: The above article was provided by Anika Theron from Atmosphere Communications