Westridge teen champions children's rights

WESTRIDGE teenager Triston Fortune, a Grade 10 learner at Bergvliet High School, was recently sworn in as the Western Cape Child Ambassador and the deputy president of the Nelson Mandela Children's Parliament.

- MARSHA BOΤΗΜΑ

He is also a member of the Junior City Council and the chairperson of his school's Representative Council of Learners (RCL).

Triston's passion for helping others began early, inspired by his great-grandmother and mother, both active in feeding schemes and community support.

"I realised there are many problems the government doesn't see on the ground," he said.

Growing up in Mitchells Plain, he became aware of challenges faced by children, including hunger, bullying, and mental health struggles.

His leadership journey started at a Rocklands Primary School, where he asked the principal to establish an RCL but was told he was too young.