My name is Michillay Brown, I am a 23 year old student living near the The Melville Koppies Nature Reserve and the Greenpeace Africa office, organizations that I am passionate and proud to be a part of.
Like many other volunteers at Greenpeace Africa I strongly want to contribute to the empowerment and education of disadvantaged members of our communities. I believe that no one should make their current surroundings, background or situation an excuse for not standing up for what they believe in and attain the knowledge necessary to be a part of a movement that can help them become an advocate for that particular passion.
Getting to work in the Greenpeace office was an eye opener into how the a large international advocacy group amplifies the voices of people and though I was one person I was one of millions working toward providing solutions for people on the African continent.
When the opportunity came to apply for Miss Earth I leapt for it. The leadership programme focuses on the empowerment and growth of young women and children in issues concerning environmental awareness, sustainability, food security, climate change, and uplifting local communities.
Being part of the Miss Earth programme has not only given me the opportunity to be on a platform where I can actively influence and change the minds of ordinary people but also a chance to become an example of what a Green Ambassador should be; to show children, adults, men and women of all classes, professions, and backgrounds that anyone can become an environmental advocate. Anyone can stand up and become the voice for the planet.
The journey which is only just beginning has already taught me so much, knowledge which I have been able to pass onto other learners such as how to plant a food garden and the importance of food security. Together with other Miss Earth National finalists from all around the country, we managed to plant over 260 trees during National Environment Week.
This was a great opportunity for me to involve my Greenpeace Africa friends and volunteers who were passionate to be part of this project. It was exciting to see people who share a deep seated passion for the environment coming together to plant trees (not to mention the fun we had in doing so!).
I have established a wonderful relationship with Greenpeace Africa by doing voluntary work and research for them, I continue to help Wendy Carsten’s and her Environmental & Conservation management team at Melville Koppies by removing Alien invasive plants and cleaning litter at the Nature Reserve. I am currently part of the Top 16 Miss Earth South Africa National Finalist’s.
It has been an intense journey of personal growth and physically, emotionally and mentally demanding and enriching projects. I have learnt so much, made so many friends and become a better person. I would encourage anyone I know to volunteer more as it leaves you with a sense of personal achievement having contributed to enriching peoples lives. Moreover it is all of us working together that can truly create change because together we are unstoppable.
Please get more updates on www.missearthsa.co.za or follow me on Twitter: @Michillay_Only1, @missearth_sa, or @MelvilleKoppies.