Citizen Leader Lab, a leading Public Benefit Organisation committed to leadership development in both the public and private sectors, launched its Leaders for Education programme in Polokwane, Limpopo, this August. This transformative programme brings together business leaders and public school principals in a unique collaboration to tackle challenges in schools in the region. 

The Leaders for Education programme is built on the premise that sustainable improvement in schools require innovative solutions from both the public and private sectors. By pairing experienced business leaders with dedicated school principals, the programme aims to create an immersive and reciprocal exchange of leadership skills and ideas. 

Over the next 12 months, selected public school principals and business leaders from Polokwane will embark on a journey designed to address the specific challenges faced by their schools. This collaborative effort is expected to not only positively impact participating school principals, but also their respective teaching and support staff and learners. For the business leaders, this partnership is a platform to refine their leadership skills in a new and challenging environment. 

Simon Nkuna, the principal of Kaputla Nkoana Primary in Mashobohleng, Moletji, shared what he hopes to achieve in the next 12 months with Citizen Leader Lab: “Through this programme, I wish to see improvements in our school’s results, particularly in challenging areas like social sciences and mathematics. My goal is to ensure that the knowledge and skills that I gain are effectively shared with my educators and support staff. This, in turn, will help address our current issues and positively impact the wider school community. I am excited about the potential for progress.’’ 

Thakgatso Morepye, who is currently an Honours student in Psychology and the Client Experience Manager at Mediclinic, Limpopo, described her participation in the Leaders for Education programme as ‘’truly a privilege’’. 

She added: ‘’I recognise the need for mental health awareness within our communities, particularly among school principals. These leaders juggle numerous roles, often neglecting their own mental well-being. This programme will not only allow me to support them in managing their responsibilities more effectively, but will also offer me insights into their challenges, contributing to my own growth as a leader. It’s an initiative that promises significant benefits for school principals, business leaders and our communities.’’ 

Strategic Leadership Development Specialist and Facilitator, Anorth Mabunda, will play a crucial role in the programme, providing expert guidance to nurture the leadership skills of the participants and ensuring the success of their collaborative efforts. 

Citizen Leader Lab is committed to expanding the Leaders for Education programme, partnering more public school principals and business leaders to continue addressing educational challenges in Limpopo. To support or participate in future initiatives, please contact Audrey@Citizenleaderlab.org.