Recently, GFS South Africa hosted the 24th World Council recently. It was a great experience with a mixture of business and pleasure and the chance to meet GFS members from around the world!
Each country gives a report on how GFS operates there and it is interesting to hear their highlights and challenges:
“The work GFS does in every country is vital for the girls and young women we work with and for some it may be the only opportunity to gain education and skills to give them the best chance to provide for themselves and their families.
There were some lighter moments, which included a visit to a game park to see animals such as lions, zebra, leopards, wild dogs and to get up close to a crisp eating giraffe!
I could write so much more, but what I will take away from this World Council (as from previous) is that there are strong women around the world who are seeking to empower and inspire the next generation and to provide the foundations for them to grow and to take their place as strong, inspiring women.”
-Catriona Charlesworth, Welsh President
“GFS World Council 2023 was held in South Africa and I attended as a Junior Delegate to represent GFS and GFS England. World Council was such an incredible experience as it included meeting girls of all ages and backgrounds and hearing their experiences within GFS groups and branches around the world.
I made lots of friends and memories, particularly including the safari where we saw lots of animals such as lions, giraffes and leopards.
World Council also involved making important decisions about GFS in different countries and hearing about the successes and challenges of GFS in other countries.”
-Laura Howard, Junior Delegate 2023
“I had earlier decided that this would be my last World Council and it certainly has provided many happy memories. Misty Hills Conference Centre is set in 60 acres of lush botanical gardens, which were a joy to experience between meetings. We were surrounded by greenery!
I was very proud of our four representatives and the wider team who all funded themselves, including our trustee Frances Payne, and volunteer leaders such as Sharon and Tracey. Catriona (Welsh President), Olivia (Junior Delegate Wales), Poppy (England Vice President) and Laura (Junior Delegate England), proved to be amazing ambassadors for GFS England and Wales.
They embraced all aspects of the Council including the various leisure activities. They will really be an asset for GFS in the future.”
-Kay Warrington, Welsh Treasurer
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