‘If influential young leaders changed their lives in positive ways and encouraged their peers to do the same, imagine South Africa and Africa’s potential.’
That is what drives gold Peer Education Development Agency (gold), and why Susannah Farr, CEO and founder, believes that if you can turn negative peer pressure 360 degrees into positive pressure- it is the most powerful force for change.
Gold works with youth, giving them a lifetime toolkit of skills, leadership development and a connection to future opportunities to inspire change within their schools and communities.
Susannah Farr won the Business Woman’s Award in the regional Social Entrepreneur category.
Farr reflects on last night’s awards; “It is wonderful that the work of gold has been given recognition by the Business Woman’s Association of South Africa. It’s a real honour.”
“It took the support of a lot of people for me to get this award – not least my amazing husband and three children. My mom was relieved that I was actually there in a DRESS with make-up on! Being a Social Entrepreneur to me means being willing to stand in the gap and fight against injustice, no matter what the cost, to ensure innovative and sustainable solutions that change societal patterns.”
“The people I really need to thank are my team at gold. Their dedication to the gold vision is humbling. Most of the employees at gold come from, and still live in, the tough communities that they grew up in. They are fighting for a better future for all of us, often sacrificing opportunities for work in the private sector because their belief in the gold vision is so strong.”
“There have been many challenges along the way, and the world is a tricky customer given the current climate; but NO is not an option. I must succeed in my mission. There is a crisis that we cannot ignore.”
“The youth of Southern Africa need to have a vision and a purpose for their lives – they need to know their true worth- and must hold themselves accountable to a higher bar – because no one else is going to believe in them if we don’t.”
Gold is honours the commitment of BWA to growing women in business across South Africa.
The BWA gave each finalist the opportunity to have a professional video made and gold is very excited to share this today. Thank you to the WA and Dreamcatcher Productions, Cape Town – we are so appreciative!!
https://youtu.be/mSCD9XATW3M
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