Shhumeez Scott is just like your average teenager.
She goes to high school, loves being with her friends and even enjoys playing golf in her spare time.
But there’s one little difference - Shumeez, from Lentegeu in Mitchells Plain, has Down Syndrome, she’s a model and she loves giving back to her community.
The pretty 17-year-old has just been named as a finalist in the Face of Ribbons4Roses Angels SA.
The non-profit organisation, Ribbons4Roses, founded by Ampie Fourie in 2011, assists people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Ampie says they are looking for a face to represent the NPO and it’s values.
FINALIST: Shumeez has made the shortlist in the Face of Ribbons4Roses Angels SA competition
Shumeez, who is in her senior phase at Filia School in Goodwood, is determined to change the mindset that some people have towards the Down Syndrome community.
“I’m feeling happy about it,” she says about being named the first finalist in the national competition. I knew they would pick me.”
It’s not the first time Shumeez is in the news.
In March 2011 Shumeez was injured in a taxi strike. The then 12-year-old girl was on her way to school when their bus was stoned in Lansdowne Road and she was hit in the face.
She had to undergo skin grafting on her left cheek as well as an emergency eye operation.
Luckily, the wounds healed and left no scarring.
Pics: Freda Roetjens
Mom Bahiya Janodien says her daughter is a warrior princess.
“In my time Down Syndrome kids weren’t seen anywhere. I want people to know that these kids are worth much more.
“We have to raise awareness especially in our Coloured communities, so that you can see these kids do everything,” says Bahiya.
“I wanted her to have a normal upbringing and not be limited. She is a confident girl, and she cares a lot about other people.”
The single mom says her other children, Zhuqeelah Scott, 21, and Moegamat Zubair, 13, are very protective over Shumeez.
“They always direct Shumeez, but they also know when she has to stand on her own.”
Shumeez was “discovered” when Zhuqeelah, a hijaabi model, took her with to a modelling job at the end of last year.
“The photographer didn’t want her to leave and took photos of her and realised she was a natural in front of the camera because she took directions so well,” says the proud tietie.
SISTER SISTER: Shumeez Scott and her sister Bahiya Janodien
Bahiya is now raising funds for Shumeez to study beauty therapy next year, via the crowdfunding site, doitforcharity.co.za.
Ampie, a former nurse, says there’s a lack of resources for Downs kids.
“Many educators aren’t equipped to teach children with Down Syndrome or autism. And it is important for these kids to get education in their home language,” she said.