Nishé Komal and Friends Are Turning an Academic Trip into Hope for the Homeless

Photo Credit: Janine Komal

Excitement is building as Greenside High’s Nishé Komal prepares for an academic opportunity in Australia. To help make the trip a reality, Nishé and the school community are stepping up in a big way, not only by raising funds but also by giving back to those who find themselves without shelter during this harsh winter season.

Johannesburg, South Africa (03 June 2026) – With an exciting opportunity drawing closer by the day, which will see Nishé Komal take part in an Academic Excellence Tour to Australia with an elite group of top academic performers from Greenside High School, the anticipation is building.

The bright student secured the opportunity based purely on academic merit, reflecting his dedication, discipline, and hard work.

“Since we started this campaign on 23 January 2026, we have raised 46% of our target. Our village has been amazing,” delighted mum, Janine Komal, tells us.

Nishé and the school community have been rallying to make the trip possible and will soon host a special event that seeks not only to raise funds for the international trip but also to uplift the most vulnerable members of the community.

Braving the Cold for a Cause Greater Than Themselves

A Solidarity Sleep-out will take place at Greenside High School on Monday, 15 June. While braving the winter cold for one night, Nishé and a few of his friends and family will actively raise resources to support those in their community who find themselves without shelter during this harsh winter season. It is a lesson in empathy, solidarity, and active citizenship.

This initiative carries a deep, three-fold purpose for Nishé, his fellow students, and the community as a whole.

“First, our primary goal is to raise the necessary funds for Nishé’s tour to Australia. Second, we believe true leadership means giving back, and this is exactly what he wanted to do. To give back,” explains Janine.

“Finally, we are doing this to deeply honour the memory of the youth of 1976. They fought for a country where opportunity belongs to everyone, regardless of social standing, race, ethnicity, background, or past. We believe that today, all a young person should need is a fierce passion for what they want in life, and a village to support them in getting there.”

How You Can Help:

Winter Warmth Donations: You can support by providing blankets or non-perishable food that students will directly distribute to local shelters and charities. These can be dropped off on the night of the 15^th of June at Greenside High School or before then.

Pledges: Sponsor the participating youngsters and adults by pledging a specific amount for the hours they spend out in the cold or donating a meal and warm beverage towards the night.

Financial Donations: A direct donation towards Nishé’s tour fund to help make this global opportunity a reality on his fundraising platform.

“By backing this initiative, the community are not just donating. You are honouring our history, shielding the vulnerable from the winter cold, and actively investing in a young person who is ready to take on the world. It truly takes a village to raise a child, unlock their potential and give them wings,” Janine appeals who is also the school’s administrator.

For more information, call Greenside High School on 011 646 0113 or email [email protected]