Uplifting Community and Business: Parys SMME Leaders Can Now Do Both

Citizen Leader Lab, a Non-Profit committed to the development of both public and private sector leaders, is on track to launch its transformative leadership programme, Leaders for Education (formerly Partners for Possibility), in Parys, Free State.

Commencing this August, the launch offers a unique opportunity for eight leaders of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) from the area to participate in the programme, valued at R132,000,00 per spot. Selected participants now have the chance to join at a heavily discounted rate*.

Robust leadership is integral to the success of SMMEs and schools alike. The Leaders for Education programme facilitates a collaborative leadership journey between SMME leaders and school principals. By leveraging the diverse skill sets of both participants, SMME leaders refine their leadership skills by navigating the complex world of a South African public school. Simultaneously, school principals receive the support, management skills and access to social capital to create conducive teaching and learning environments within their schools. The 12-month programme provides world-class workshops, professional coaching and comprehensive learning materials.

SMME leaders and their businesses stand to benefit from the tangible benefits the Leaders for Education programme offers. Beyond enhancing basic leadership skills, the programme boasts unparalleled networking opportunities – all with the awareness of the time constraints these leaders face.

Selwyn Page, Citizen Leader Lab’s Regional Manager for the Free State, said: ‘’Our bespoke approach creates and nurtures both personal and professional development, providing SMME leaders with the tools to overcome challenges unique to them. As SMME leaders work on their leadership skills, school principals enhance their capacity to lead and educate the youth. This partnership uplifts both enterprises and schools, creating a mutually beneficial outcome for the entire community.’’

In Parys, a community known for its tourism and agricultural activity, social challenges such as poverty, high unemployment, poor service delivery, water and electricity shortages and drought persist. Despite this, schools in Parys have played a significant role in contributing to the educational success of the Free State province. In 2023, the province achieved a matric pass rate of 89.0%, making it the top achieving province in the country.

Page acknowledges that amid these challenges, there is a promising path forward. He encourages SMME leaders to be part of a sustainable solution in Parys.

“Citizen Leader Lab believes that change in Parys is possible if citizens, like SMME leaders, step up to lead. This can only happen when they are empowered to act in proactive and productive ways in their communities.

We’re calling on SMME leaders in Parys to join us for an exclusive virtual session on 21 May 2024, from 6pm to 7pm, to discover how Citizen Leader Lab can empower SMME leaders to bring about positive change in Parys.’’

The launch in Parys is made possible through the support of the FEM Education Foundation, a long-standing partner of Citizen Leader Lab.

*Chosen SMME leaders are asked to contribute R6,400 towards their participation

SAVE THE DATE!

Parys Discovery Session

Date: 21 May 2024

Time: 6pm-7pm

Platform: Zoom RSVP today! Trudie Cronje: trudie@Citizenleaderlab.org