This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Andrew was the hardest criminal around yet integrating back into society was his hardest journey of all.

Imagine a world where all youth and community groups were self-sustainable – independent of government funding, grants, and resources. That’s the founding vision upon which Andrew Gason has built not-for-profit organisation New Civilization Builders Inc.

Andrew’s divergent youth gave him the tools to fruitfully engage with young people on all levels. As a Samoan raised in South Auckland New Zealand, he spent half his life living in the criminal underworld being involved in every crime from burglary to weapon smuggling. The conclusion was prison. In 1998 Andrew was released from jail and started to search for a new direction in life. On October 10, his story will permanently change perspectives on perceived obstacles.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)