Shepton charity celebrates head girl’s school awards haul

By Laura Linham 28th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 1 hour ago

A student supported by a charity based on Shepton Mallet High Street has collected 10 diplomas and six awards at her school's annual prize-giving. Meyah Clarke, who joined SOS Africa's sponsorship programme in 2019, is now applying to university with ambitions to work in law.

The charity, which has its fundraising office and shop at 44 High Street, shared her achievements in an update published on 14 October. Meyah is head girl at Hottentots Holland High School in South Africa and is preparing for her final school exams.

Reflecting on the presentation, she described the weight of her awards as a reminder of where she had started and the setbacks she had overcome. She said she was looking forward to the opportunities ahead, despite the challenges of leaving school.

Her achievements follow years of involvement in school life beyond the classroom. Meyah has served as chair of the Representative Council of Learners, performed in drama productions and played netball.

She was also selected to attend the Die Burger & Netwerk24 Youth Leaders Conference alongside 47 other candidates from across South Africa. SOS Africa's operations manager, Li-andi Claassen, has described watching her develop into a leader who supports younger children within the charity's education programme.

SOS Africa funds education and care for children in South Africa, with support tailored to individual needs. Its work includes school tuition, after-school learning, transport, clothing and stationery.

The charity's Shepton shop provides a local base for that work. Further information about its education programmes and Meyah's progress is available on the SOS Africa website.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Please Support Us Shepton Mallet. Your Town. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable
local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Shepton Mallet.

Please Support Us Shepton Mallet. Your Town. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Shepton Mallet.