For more than two decades, Branksome Hall has had a longstanding relationship with the Get Ahead Project (GAP) School in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This partnership was initiated by philanthropist Peter Oliver and through his vision, together with Karrie Weinstock’s educational expertise, Branksome Hall's strong connection with the GAP School evolved to include annual Branksome Hall school visits to GAP, faculty mentorship and educational projects. On March 12, Karrie Weinstock, Branksome’s Head, Centre for Strategic Leadership, attended a special Assembly at the GAP School in South Africa where she was honoured with the Giraffe Award, recognition for an individual whose kindness, generosity and support has made a meaningful impact on the GAP community.

Founded by a small group of teachers in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape in Queenstown, the Get Ahead Project School started as a small school serving a handful of students in an old warehouse. Canadian fundraising efforts from the Leacock Foundation enabled the school to flourish and there are now more than 1,200 students in attendance. Following the Assembly, the family of the late Peter Oliver opened the Peter Oliver Legacy Garden.

As a South African Canadian, Karrie has a special place in her heart for the Get Ahead Project School. Her many years of visits to the school with Branksome students and staff have created meaningful connections between the two schools, including the Sister Circle that pairs a Branksome and GAP student. Today, a thriving debating mentorship program is in place that led two GAP students to compete in the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.

Karrie has shared her wisdom as a member of the GAP Board of Governors, and her commitment and leadership led her back to South Africa this March, where she was honoured. Vicki du Preez, Executive Head of the GAP School, delivered a heartfelt message of gratitude at a special assembly: “Karrie, you have been a beacon of guidance and inspiration. Through your strategic mentorship and thoughtful leadership, you have shaped not only individuals but the very fabric of our schools. You have coached and empowered us, instilling confidence, vision and a sense of purpose. Your ability to see potential in others and nurture it with care and wisdom is a rare and remarkable gift.”

Karrie was then presented with the Giraffe Award, the highest honour at Get Ahead. Given to an individual who embodies resilience and resourcefulness, has great foresight and remains grounded in wisdom and strength, Karrie was an obvious choice for the award. Chairman of the Board, Boy Stone, formally presented Karrie with the award.

Congratulations Karrie on receiving this honour! From Canada to South Africa, the number of lives you have impacted are immeasurable. As Vicki du Preez so eloquently observed, “It is said that a great leader is not one who creates followers, but one who creates more leaders. Karrie, you have left a legacy of strong, empowered individuals who are better because of your mentorship.” Branksome Hall could not agree more.