Greenwood Park resident and founder of the local dynamic youth organisation Teens Under the Hood South Africa (TUTHSA) is a woman that is passionate about leading young people to a bright future. Beaumont stands as a testament to the difference love, warmth and kindness can make in the lives of a young individual. Durban North News invited Beaumont on the couch to get to know the local gem.
Durban North News (DNN): Tell us a bit about yourself?
Michelle Beaumont (MB): I am a mum to four kids, but I am also a woman with dreams, aspirations, talents and goals. I am a firm believer that it is important for a woman to be-able to know herself as an individual as well as a mum, wife, aunt and gran etc.
DNN: Tell us about TUTHSA, what prompted you to start it?
MB: Watching my own kids grow and spending time with some of their friends on special days, I saw a need to further develop and to support the youth.
DNN: What makes TUTHSA so special?
MB: Our vision to create better communities. Even though I am passionate about the youth. The work that we do impacts all groups in community, woman, men, the elderly, teens, primary schoolers, animals and the environment.
DNN: Your role in TUTHSA makes you a mother of the community, what does it mean to you?
MB: This fills my eyes with tears. I am honoured and humbled to even be seen this way. I am grateful that our small acts of kindness have caused the ripple effects that it has. No words can totally explain what these kids mean to me. They have changed my life and it is them that have helped me to realise my purpose. I will forever be indebted to them.
DNN: On a lighter note, are you a tea or coffee person?
MB: One coffee a day and water the entire day.
DNN: Do you have any hobbies and interests?
MB: Even if I try hard not to teach, I am a teacher. I get a thrill helping others to succeed and developing others to reach their fullest potential. I am passionate about music, drama, acting and comedy.
DNN: What are some of the challenges of running an organisation like TUTHSA and what about it makes you love it so?
MB: A common challenge working with the youth is understanding where each one is in their life currently, what makes them tick and ways to help them to see their real potential. Some are enthusiastic, others lazy, some full of pranks, others hopeful and others really just need to fit in and feel love and acceptance. The part I love most is watching them succeed and talking about when all this was just a dream and where we see us going to from here.
DNN: What is the ultimate goal for TUTHSA?
MB: To take our programmes throughout South Africa and eventually abroad. For the current Teens Under The Hood SA members to take formal roles in the NPC and to lead us into the future.
DNN: How do you relax after a long day?
MB: This is a trick question. I don’t know what this means lol.
DNN: What is your favourite type of holiday and why?
MB: I like nature and the outdoors. An early wake up to watch the sunrise, a hike before lunch and an afternoon fishing session.
DNN: If you were president for the day, what would be the first thing that you do?
MB: Give the youth a voice and open opportunities to enable them to lead. After all, they are the future leaders of our country and the world.
DNN: What is your advice to the youth?
MB: You can do and have anything that you set your mind to. There is nothing wrong with being different and standing out. You are accepted, you are loved and I believe that you can, you will and you must.
DNN: What does being a woman mean to you?
MB: I salute all woman. It is only when we look back at our lives do we realise how far we have come as woman hey? We go on, never count costs, give our best, never give up, love unconditionally and go round and round. Being a woman is the greatest race that we could ever run.
