After graduating from St Paul’s Collegiate School last year, Tanika Naidoo (Harington 2019-2021) launched into her role as World Vision Ambassador in March 2022. Considered one of the most prestigious roles within the World Vision organisation, Tanika’s responsibilities over the last six months
have been influencing and inspiring young New Zealanders to take action and advocate for social change.
Tanika is currently in her ninth year of volunteering with World Vision, which made her an obvious candidate for the job due to her knowledge, experience and passion for the group. The most rewarding part of the role has been inspiring kids to want to seek out social justice for children living on the other
side of the world. Tanika primarily does this by onboarding students to participate in events such as the 40 Hour Famine.
“To describe my role as World Vision Ambassador as incredible would be an understatement. It has been the most amazing opportunity, and I am forever grateful for the experience this year,” says Tanika.
Some of Tanika’s achievements during her time with World Vision have been recruiting thousands of students to join the 40 Hour Famine, implementing clean water in Malawi, Afghanistan and Syria and raising over 1.2 billion dollars for the cause.
“Being able to help children and families gain access to something essential such as clean drinking water is an overwhelming achievement. The health and social benefits go beyond just water, which has a major
domino effect in their life.”
The Ambassador role has been Tanika’s priority this year, meaning she has put her studies on hold. She knows this path isn’t for everyone, but her strong advocacy for the group meant it was an easy decision for her to make.
In 2023, Tanika will begin her Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree from the University of Auckland and then study medicine in some capacity. Eventually, Tanika sees herself working within the health sector to seek out social justice in Aotearoa and beyond.
Although her time as the organisation’s Ambassador has come to an end, Tanika will continue to support World Vision indefinitely.
“Working with World Vision was a great way to learn more about the various social aspects here and around the world. It’s been an invaluable experience for which I will forever be thankful.”
