Accomplishing a lifelong dream at just 16

ZOE PRINSLOO has achieved a lifelong dream thanks to her dedication and a neversay-die attitude. Zoe, 16, won the Protea Award at the Regional AGM for Girl Guides in Pinelands earlier this month.

The Protea Award is the highest award in guiding. One works through eight adventures including guiding history and first aid and safety.

You also need to progress through levels and thereafter you will need to complete six requirements:

Do an oral presentation in front of a non-guiding audience.

A year-long community service project.

Running a regional event. An interview in front of the education committee panel of Girl Guides.

To gain your ranger campers permit.

Submit a portfolio guiding journey.

A Girl Guide does everything from camping, hiking to canoeing. And it’s not just about the outdoors as they learn leadership skills, map work and public speaking.

They also get to do community service, learn about the environment and how to take care of it.

“I am really proud of what I’ve accomplished. It has been a long

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your and stressful journey, but the things I have experienced and learnt have been unforgettable.

“Nothing is impossible in life if you put your mind to it.

“Nobody should hold back from what they want in life,” said Zoe, who has won numerous awards over the years including the Ranger of the Year 2018 and Community Service Award last year.

“I would never have gotten an opportunity to experience it all had it not been for guiding.

“Guiding has sparked my interest in and love for the environment and to start my own eco-friendly business,” she added.

When not sharpening her adventure skills, Zoe, a Grade 11 pupil at Edgemead High School, plays bass guitar in four school bands (jazz, mini-jazz, orchestra and pop ensemble).

The Bothasig Ranger and Cape West Girl Guide is also involved in the Social Conscience Club which focuses on community work.

She is also a member of the Cape Town Youth Climate Council which discusses and arranges various projects aimed at raising awareness around the dangers of climate change).

Her mother, Tanya, said she was “unbelievably proud” of what Zoe was doing.

“She puts her all into everything she does. Her passion and commitment to the environment is inspiring, not just to me, but to our entire family and friends.

“Her passion shines through everywhere. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to hold her back when she sees someone littering or throwing a piece of paper out of a car. She’s not afraid to speak up and I admire her so much for that,” she said.

‘I am really proud of what I’ve accomplished.

It has been a long and stressful journey, but

the things I have experienced and learnt have

been unforgettable. Nothing is impossible if

you put your mind to it’

PICTURE: SUPPLIED Zoe Prinsloo, 16, won the Protea Award.