Profile: Susannah Farr, Executive Director of GOLD Peer Education Development Agency
As a schoolgirl, what did you dream of becoming one day?
I was determined to become a doctor and help find a cure
for AIDS.
What inspired the beginning of GOLD?
GOLD's birth was fuelled by a dream to see a generation of young
Africans be given the tools and support to reach their full potential
despite the many obstacles they face today such as poverty,
apathy, inadequate education, peer pressure and HIV. At GOLD, we
don't see Africa as a begging bowl. We believe that though some
are materially poor, they are rich in resilience and we inspire them
to have a vision of a better future and to know that they have so
much to give.
Describe the most difficult challenge you faced as a teenager.
Being a Christian at school it was a challenge to hang out with the
cool kids and choose not to do drugs, not to have sex and instead
focus on my future goals and vision. I had to remind myself every
day about what I believed and thought was important and stick to
my commitment to save sex for marriage.
So, did you manage to save sex for marriage?
Yip…and I didn't get married young, but it was definitely worth the
wait (I have the kindest man in the world).
You were 30 years old when you got married. How did you manage to
wait till then?
It wasn't always easy. I gave myself a promise that I would never
go into a relationship without being very clear with the other
person about what I believed and how I felt about keeping sex for
marriage. I didn't only want my boyfriend to respect me for the
decision, but I wanted us both to own the same decision and both
be committed to waiting. There are times in any relationship,
when both people can be weak and its amazing to know that when
the one is weak, the other one is strong. I always believed that
sex and becoming physically involved would be most fulfilling in
a committed marriage relationship even though as a teenager
marriage was the last thing on my mind! I guess I really believe
too that when young people have a relationship and put the right
foundations in place without the complications of sex, it can be
such a growing experience in communication and friendship.
Even if the relationship breaks up, building strong foundations
and learning how to have a healthy relationship will always have a
positive long term outcome.
Who were your role models as a teenager?
My parents, especially my dad, who was always so clear about
what was right and wrong but always encouraged me to make my
own decisions wisely with the future in mind. He always helped me
to ask good questions and to worry less about what people think.
What are the 3 biggest lessons you've learned in life?
Firstly, I'd have to say listening to people before you make
assumptions is really important. I'm still working on putting this into
practice in my life, but I know it's important! I've also learned that
when you take a risk and step out of your comfort zone, you think
you're going to give so much and you often end up receiving so much
more than you could have imagined. Lastly, I'd have to say that you
can never make a decision for any other person - all you can do is
influence, love and lead by example.
What do you think is the MOST important ingredient in a romantic
relationship?
Common vision
If you could have lunch with any three people, living or dead, who would
they be?
William Wilberforce – He was the leader of the movement to end the
slave trade.
Kofi Annan – Secretary General of the United Nations
(1997-2007) I think he is so bold and a courageous man for such a
time as this.
Nelson Mandela – We all love him! I would love to just sit
at his feet and hear some of the stories first hand.
Trivia
Bungi Jump or Paraglide? Loved them both!
Singing or Dancing? Dancing…
Favourite Colour: Sea Green Blue
Favourite Sport: Running
Most memorable place you've ever visited: Lalibela in Ethiopia
Reading or TV? Reading…don't own a TV
Chocolates or Chips? BOTH…but if pushed, salt and
vinegar chips
How many languages do you speak/understand? Mmm,
English, Afrikaans (bad accent), French, Arabic and Xhosa (in
progress!)
TALK GROUP DISCUSSION – Having value
1: What can we learn from Susannah about
sticking to our values?
