As soon as you meet 19-year-old Aliyah Toyer, of Lentegeur, it becomes clear why she is the face and inspiration of Smiling Ladies Organization, a charity that runs fund-raisers for various causes.
Her face lights up as soon as she starts talking about the organisation, which she founded at the age of 9 with the help of her mother, Moezena Toyer, and her grandmother, Amina Haron.
“I would see other children playing in the streets, some would have struggles with gangsterism, others would have homes they go to and there would be nothing, people would be suffering. Each day, someone would come to my grandmother or mom and ask for bread or sugar.
“I told my mom that there isn’t much I know about the world. I am only 9, but is there any way that we can help these people? I really want to open an organisation or even just a small outreach to help people around us,” Aliyah recalls.
The charity has raised funds for Hannah’s Place of Safety, autism schools and food relief for families in need.
“We raise funds to help those who don’t have food in their houses and need provision. We’ve given away food hampers, nappies, baby food so that we can help in our community. People out there are suffering, and they don’t have much. We call it charity, but it is also a thing of the heart,” says Aliyah.
A model and first-year acting-for-film student at ACT College, Aliyah believes in using her beauty and talent for a purpose.
“Our Miss Poppy pageant is all about beauty with a purpose to give back to charity. Anyone who needs fund-raising for their charity is welcome to reach out to us. One of the greatest things I love doing, is seeing everybody coming together to help one person,” she says.
Aliyah has also been an ambassador for Supporting Mentorship through Art (S.m-Art), an organisation that uplifts communities through art, since she was 12.
She attributes her passion for helping others to her mother and grandmother.
“They have had one of the best influences on my life. They have changed and shaped me into the wonderful woman I am today. I can confidently say I am stronger and more powerful because I have these wonderful women with me.”
Aliyah urges young women to not give up on their dreams, despite experiencing abuse, discrimination and other hardships.
“Generally, I feel like society just keeps on getting worse for women because as you grow up as a young girl, you must fit into so many standards. My message to other young women is to not give up on your dreams. Your gift is your power. Only you can change your destiny. Do not give up on who you are as a person because who you are makes you beautiful.”
