Year 13 student, Tanika Naidoo’s involvement in driving participation in the World Vision 40 Hour Famine at St Paul’s over the past three years has earned her selection for the prestigious role of World Vision Youth Ambassador for 2022.

As one of four ambassadors chosen from around New Zealand, Tanika’s role is to influence and inspire young New Zealanders to take action and advocate for change. Based in Wellington, Tanika will visit schools, youth clubs and churches across the lower North Island region, promoting the 2022 40 Hour Famine.

Tanika has been involved with the 40 Hour Famine for eight years and feels fortunate to have been selected as a World Vision Youth Ambassador for 2022

“World Vision is an organisation I am incredibly passionate about, and I am thoroughly looking forward to flying the 40 Hour Famine flag around the lower North Island next year, says Tanika Naidoo.

My goal is to engage more participants in the 40-hour famine than ever before so we can make a difference in children’s lives, particularly those who have been affected by Covid-19..

Tanika and her fellow St Paul’s students supported their service leaders, Marcia Graafhuis (Year 13) and Frazer Tam (Year 13), through a successful 40 Hour Famine campaign this year. The group raised more than $20,000 for World Vision, the most successful year on record, despite the pandemic.

“Every year World Vision selects motivated student leaders from across Aotearoa to be one of their Youth Ambassadors. With a huge number of applicants each year, the competition is tough and St Paul’s is delighted that Tanika has been appointed,” says Revd Peter Rickman.

World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Many former Youth Ambassadors have gone on to lead social enterprises and sustainable businesses, join and found justice initiatives, and work in the international NGO sector.