“I know that what I do may not change the world, but I can certainly make a difference,”

says 16-year-old Kingston student Robin Prest, who is demonstrating leadership in her community and changing life for girls who live a world away.

In November 2007, Robin was given the opportunity to travel to South Africa, as part of a ‘Women’s Leadership Journey’ organized by Meg Wheatley and The Berkana Institute.  Robin’s mother, Lauri Prest, was going with 23 other women from around the world, and she admits that it never occurred to her to take Robin. “When Robin asked if she could come, I thought it was a brilliant idea,” recalls Lauri. The trip would end up changing both of their lives.

Leadership times two
For Lauri, who was already exploring ideas around leadership – particularly women’s leadership – the trip galvanized her thinking about the pivotal role that women and young women play as leaders in their communities. 

Robin came home with a true appreciation of how blessed her life is and vowed to find a way to make a difference for teen girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS of Lesotho in southern Africa. “I wanted to do something real and do it in a way that I could share the experience with my friends,” says Robin.

Pearls for Girls
When she heard of Pearls for Girls, it seemed like a perfect fit. Founded in Ottawa by Canadian Mary Murphy, the organization aims to help teenage girls in developed countries acquire leadership experience as ‘citizens of the world’, to learn their value as leaders, and to know they can do something to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Robin was immediately intrigued and invited her friends over to learn about starting a ‘Pearl Bee’ to make bracelets that would benefit girls orphaned by HIV/AIDS living in Lesotho. The idea took off and together the Kingston girls have made and sold 250 pearl bracelets over the past year. Robin beams as she talks about the fact that, in doing so, they raised $5,000 to send 34 girls in Lesotho to the annual Help Lesotho Leadership Camp.

A global citizen
According to her Grade 10 teacher and swimming coach, David Kasserra, Robin demonstrates leadership and commitment in everything she does. She competes nationally as a synchronized swimmer, belongs to her high school rowing and volleyball teams, and was recognized as the MVP by her high school swim team for the past two years.

“Robin truly understands what it means to be a positive global citizen,” stated Mr. Kasserra in a recent speech honouring Robin with a school leadership award. “She goes about her work in a quiet and consistent way, inspiring other students to be involved in both school and community projects.”

A mother’s pride
The experience of watching Robin develop has been remarkable – observing her realize and appreciate what leadership means and putting it into action. In her professional role, Lauri is responsible for developing leadership in her workplace and so now many of her interests overlap with Robin’s. “Robin accompanied me on a recent business trip to meet the Reverend Mpho Tutu, daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” says Lauri.  “We were both welcomed into her home and it was incredible for Robin to have the chance to speak with her and ask about her family living in Lesotho.”

A beginning
At 16, Robin is off to an incredible start but she is clear about the fact that this is just the beginning. With hopes of establishing her own foundation and projects, she is inspired to do more and more. Already speaking at conferences and meetings, Robin spreads the word about how small gestures make a meaningful difference. As for the short-term, Robin has two goals: that every woman in Canada will wear a Pearls for Girls bracelet; and that ‘Pearl Bees’ are established in Canadian cities and towns from coast-to-coast.  H&L