In South Africa, the School Leadership Programme, supported by Old Mutual and the Seed Educational Trust, is empowering school principals with leadership skills, and inspiring positive changes in education and communities.
Limpopo, South Africa (02 October 2023) – Education and inspiration are inextricably linked. When visionary leaders guide the way and teachers are motivated, they create an environment where even the most formidable challenges cannot hinder students from reaching their full potential. This undeniable truth is exemplified in the recent graduation of 31 school principals from the Mopani West and Mopani East districts in Limpopo, South Africa.
These graduates are the latest success story of the School Leadership Programme (SLP), an initiative supported by the Seed Educational Trust and accredited by Stellenbosch University.
In the words of Khotso Tsotsotso, Acting Head of Old Mutual Foundation, “Having 31 principals from the Mopani West and Mopani East districts in Limpopo become the latest proud graduates of the School Leadership Programme (SLP) proves that principals have the determination and drive to develop the skills they need to transform education delivery.”
This accomplishment demonstrates that with the right leadership and inspiration, positive change in South African education is not only possible but also achievable.
The School Leadership Programme is a comprehensive course designed for school principals and management teams. Its primary aim is to empower these educational leaders with the tools and knowledge needed to bring sustainable, systemic changes to their schools. The programme encompasses leadership training, personal development, and group coaching. Upon successful completion of the course, participants are awarded a certificate from the esteemed University of Stellenbosch, a recognition of their dedication to enhancing the educational landscape.
The journey begins with a personality evaluation exercise, providing participants with valuable insights into their leadership styles. Subsequently, they engage in two residential workshop modules, each spanning two days, and three one-day non-residential modules focused on facilitative leadership. This multifaceted approach equips them with a holistic understanding of effective leadership.
Complementing these modules are four written assignments, challenging participants to apply their newfound knowledge to their schools or districts. To further enhance their growth, each participant receives five one-on-one coaching sessions and must attend three group coaching sessions. This personalised support ensures that the principles learned are not merely theoretical but are translated into practical, tangible results within their respective educational institutions.
The impact of the Seed Educational Trust’s interventions is profound. Graduates of the School Leadership Programme are returning to their schools with newfound skills and strategies, leading to greater cohesion and effectiveness among staff teams. These individuals demonstrate a deeper commitment to their roles as educators, resulting in improved learner performance. When school leaders are inspired and equipped with the right tools, they have the power to create positive ripples throughout their communities.
Seed Educational Trust’s journey began formally in 2000 as the Church and Community Facilitation (CFN) facility within the Bureau for Continuing Education and Research, part of the Faculty of Theology at Stellenbosch University. Over time, the organisation expanded its course offerings, eventually focusing on schools in the Western Cape in 2006. The School Leadership Programme emerged as their flagship initiative, providing much-needed leadership development to South African educators.
Between 2013 and 2016, Seed Educational Trust joined forces with Old Mutual to focus on the provinces of Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. This partnership led to the delivery of 33 courses funded by Old Mutual, further demonstrating their commitment to improving South African education. In 2022, Old Mutual took another significant step in supporting Seed’s mission by contracting them to provide leadership development programmes to 50 schools in the Eastern Cape and 50 schools in Limpopo. Additionally, they supported two districts in each province as part of a comprehensive five-year initiative to enhance literacy and numeracy outcomes in these regions.
As we celebrate the 31 school principals graduating in Tzaneen in September 2023, we witness the latest chapter in a remarkable campaign to transform and elevate education in South Africa. This ongoing commitment to leadership and inspiration is vital to meeting the ever-evolving needs of our society. It is proof of what can be achieved when dedicated individuals and organisations come together to nurture the future of our nation through education. With visionary leaders and inspired educators, we have the power to change the face of South African education, one school at a time.
by 