Westridge Child Ambassador Triston Fortune selected for USA leadership programme
Western Cape Child Ambassador Triston Fortune says the opportunity shows that young people from communities like Mitchells Plain are capable of achieving greatness.
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“Honestly, I couldn’t even fathom what was happening.”
Those were the words of a Westridge youth leader, Triston Fortune, after learning he had been selected for the prestigious Youth Africa Ambassadors Program, an opportunity that will see him travel to the United States in July for a three-week leadership exchange.
Triston is a young community leader and Grade 11 pupil at Bergvliet High School who has become known for his advocacy for youth development and leadership.
He serves as the Western Cape Child Ambassador, deputy president of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament, and chairperson of Bergvliet High School’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL).
Through his leadership roles and community involvement, Triston has focused on empowering young people, encouraging youth participation, and creating opportunities for pupils from communities such as Mitchells Plain to have their voices heard.
For him, the moment felt surreal.
“When I received the news, I was overwhelmed with excitement, gratitude, and quite a few more emotions,” he said.
The opportunity came after previous article highlighted his leadership journey, community involvement, and passion for youth development. The exposure led to new connections and eventually a life-changing phone call from the U.S. Consulate General in Cape Town, nominating him for the international programme.
After completing the application process and being recommended to Washington, he officially secured his place in the programme.
“Coming from a place like Mitchells Plain, opportunities like these can feel like something that would never happen, so being selected reminded me that young people from communities like mine are capable of greatness,” he said.
“There are so many young people already doing amazing things, but it often goes unnoticed because they lack exposure,” he said.
He said the first article written about him not only gave visibility to his work but also opened doors to opportunities, networks, and conversations that may never have happened otherwise.
The young leader, who leaves for the United States on July 8, hopes to learn more about diplomacy, leadership, and community development while connecting with young leaders from different cultures and backgrounds.
He hopes to return with ideas and skills that can positively impact youth in Mitchells Plain and across the province, particularly in education, community engagement and leadership development.
He also expressed gratitude to his mentors, Bergvliet High, his community, and especially his parents, grandmother Heather, aunt, and uncle for supporting him throughout his journey.
Reflecting on what may have stood out during his nomination process, he said his passion for helping others has always been at the centre of his journey.
His message to young people in Mitchells Plain is simple: “Do not let the place you come from limit where you believe you can go.”