The Wealth Inequality Initiative Simunye (We are one) project, by Christel House South Africa and the Julius Baer Foundation, celebrates its 4th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Christel House has compiled their learnings into a book for educators, corporations and community leaders interested in shaping healthier societies, more diverse workplaces and stronger economies.
In the Simunye: Small Steps, Big Impact book, readers will find key insights on the meaning and impact of social capital and how economic connectedness boosts social mobility and benefits the whole of society.
The extremely unequal society affects everyone in the country: rich and poor alike feel unsafe and insecure; but the poor suffer more as they lack the agency to escape the life they inherited. At the same time, we knew that it was equally important to provide exposure to children from the upper side of the wealth spectrum to the experiences, deep humanity and commonalities between themselves and children who come from poor backgrounds. When this penny drops, the foundations of a more equitable world are laid.
The story of Christel House's journey, challenges and learning is also an invaluable guide for anyone aiming for greater equality in a team, a town or a community. If this is you, the Simunye book can empower you with the confidence to take the leap.
Adri started out her career completing a Masters in Biochemistry and later and MBA. In 2012 she graduated cum laude with a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education Studies. Drawn equally to business and education, the business of education was a natural home for her. In April 2018 she joined Christel House. As CEO for South Africa, she will work towards breaking the cycle of poverty by delivering whole child education to students from the most underserved communities in Cape Town, by hard wiring the development of character into every aspect of their schooling experience.
Adri's background in science, business and education continues to inform her critical, analytical nature. As an entrepreneur, she is focused, passionate and tenacious. As a leader, she is deeply empathetic, yet talks straight and stands in her integrity. She drives innovation from conceptualisation to implementation, balancing risk with sound business decisions. Her skills have made her a sought-after motivational speaker and business facilitator.
About Christel House South Africa
Running nine schools around the globe, Christel House applies a holistic human development model to address the root causes of poverty.
Providing holistic education scholarships and bringing together privileged and disadvantaged students to create long-lasting relations across the wealth divide, improving economic connectedness and mutual respect in South Africa.
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