PHOTOS: 12 Year Old Nigerian-British Student Designs A Cathedral Using Cereal Boxes

Princess Zina Glorie Nweze, a 12 years old Nigerian British born is taking over Internet after her excited mum posted her hand made cathedral design on Facebook .

The student who is the first of 4 children and Only daughter, is currently in her first year in secondary school, year 7 at Brampton Manor Academy, London.

In an exclusive interview with permission from her mother Ijeoma Amazin Nweze, the 12 year old takes me through the process of days building her first cathedral using cereal and shoe boxes.


Hi Princess, this is amazing . Tell me why did you decide to construct a cathedral? [i]

In January, the whole of year 7 were given a project to come up with a design of a Saxon, Norman or Gothic Cathedral and were given 2 weeks to hand it in. I came home and discussed it with my parents who gave me a lot of support. My dad went off his way to show me where to get most of the materials I needed for my history project.

What were the materials you used ? Can you name them all? [i]

I gathered old files, foam, my daddy’s roofing insulation and wood, used materials, cereal boxes and my mum’s new shoe box.

I‘m sure your mum must have been mad at you using her shoe boxes? [i]

Yeah.

Now she’s no longer mad?[i]

Yes. She’s excited seeing the finished work.

Ok, tell me, how did you get on with the work?[i]

Most night I worked with my dad until 10pm, in order to rest up for early school rise.

I gathered so many materials, chopped, chipped and sharpened the wood, painted the blue shoe box to white, glued the paper windows and finally messed up the whole house. My hands were so sticky (from the glue) for 2 days. My hair had paints on it. I couldn’t take out my braids because I had agreed with my mum, that I’ll keep the braids for at least 6 weeks.

You really worked so hard.[i]

Yes. I worked so hard with the help of my dad to finish up my project.

You must be proud of yourself ?[i]

I was really happy Show the picture of my work at school.

Have you always liked designing or anything around building? [i]

I like painting … But not very good at drawing. I was particularly interested in this project because it doesn’t involve much drawing. I have put 100% of my effort, time and energy to accomplish this piece of Art.

What other things are you interested in? [i]

I have strong interest in athletics, football, performing arts, photography, videos , erm, media in general. I also love architecture because of the plans and the beauty of designs. I always go out with my mum during her live performances or ministrations as her Personal Assistant & Director of Pictures & Videos .. I also help my dad with painting the house and building his back garden studio.

You must be very proud. Are we going to see more great work from Princess Zina?[i]

I feel really inspired to do more. I’ve been encouraged to dream big. Now I have the confidence to move on. I also have guidance from my parents, especially my daddy who is an architect. I feel really proud of myself!

What’s your Daddy’s name ?[i]
Paul Nweze

Thank you Princess for answering my questions. We will be looking forward to see you accomplish more . Thanks for sharing your work with me. I’m inspired too. [i]

Thank you.