Columba was privileged to host Ms Cassandra Treadwell, CEO and founder of the 'So They Can' Charitable Organisation
This year, our Columba prefects and Y13 ākonga have collectively raised $10,00 via the One Human Race campaign. Ms. Treadwell relayed her inspirational story about how she had come to found the 'So They Can' organisation and, in doing so, has gone on to make a life-changing difference for thousands of young women in Kenya and Tanzania. So They Can provides educational opportunities for young women who would otherwise be sold into child marriage from as old as twelve. The biggest take-away moment from her speech was the simple but impactful idea that: "Education enables human beings to make good choices". It was heartwarming to hear that our community's collective efforts have made education possible for fourteen girls in Africa today. Mrs Piebenga has said how proud she is of the leadership and efforts shown by our Year 13 rangatahi, who have modeled Columba's fundamental values of aroha and citizenship this year.
Following Ms. Treadwell's address, she was honoured when the students provided a shared luncheon in the Rose Room. This was a wonderful opportunity for our Year 13s to provide valued feedback on how they had harnessed the power of the House system to motivate students to participate in the fundraiser. We look forward to continuing support of this very worthy cause.