Citizen Leader Lab, a leading Non-Profit dedicated to leadership development in the public and private sectors, recently hosted its eagerly anticipated Annual Celebration amid the breath-taking beauty of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens in Cape Town. The event celebrated a year of impact and growth for Citizen Leader Lab, spotlighting the enduring partnerships that have been pivotal to the organisation’s ongoing success.
The opening address given by the CEO of Citizen Leader Lab, Komala Pillay, delved into why school leadership in public schools was vital to improving education in South Africa. Pillay referenced the country’s abysmal literacy and drop-out rates and the resulting youth unemployment.
‘’Leadership, second only to teaching, profoundly shapes learner success. At Citizen Leader Lab, we believe effective principals are pivotal. They run disciplined schools, support teachers, mentor staff, engage parents, and actively promote schools in the broader community. In under-resourced communities, grappling with challenges like poverty and violence, effective principals become even more critical.”
In celebration of Citizen Leader Lab’s valued partners, representatives from partnering organisations and individuals were recognised for their collaborative work with Citizen Leader Lab.
Citizen Leader Lab’s long-standing sponsor, MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, was acknowledged and praised for its continued contribution to the non-profit’s popular School Leadership Forum. The forum develops, connects, informs and empowers school principals and other educators with the knowledge and skills they need to excel. The forum’s successful collaborations with school leadership organisation, the Instructional Leadership Institute, and Literacy Non-Proft, WordWorks, were also acknowledged and appreciated.
Renee Lighton, an experienced Coach, Speaker, Author and another avid partner of the School Leadership Forum said: ‘’We, as adults, hold the power to shape the future we desire. By caring, connecting, and collaborating with like-minded individuals passionate about education and service, our impact expands. While offering our services in diverse ways, our unwavering commitment is to create #TheFutureWeWant.’’
Haroon Mohamed, the Chief Deputy Director of Curriculum Management and Teacher Development at the Western Cape Education Department, provided insights into the department’s collaborative work in Western Cape schools, and shed light on their motivation for supporting Citizen Leader Lab’s work in developing school leadership.
A special highlight of the celebration was the recognition of Citizen Leader Lab’s outstanding alumni who continue to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Belinda Petersen, Principal of Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School and Heike Moore, the Sales Leader Support with leading providers of reinsurance and insurance, Swiss Re, both recalled their positive experiences as business leader partners to school principals on Citizen Leader Lab’s renowned school leadership programme.
Adding an entertaining flair to the event, local learners from Caradale Primary and Zonnebloem High showcased their talent, skill and youthful energy with song and dance performances.
As the evening concluded, Pillay extended an invitation to all South Africans to join Citizen Leader Lab in creating a better future for all.
‘’We will continue grow and deepen our impact through new leadership programmes and greater collaboration in 2024. We want to work with you, our fellow active citizens, because we know that only together can we make a difference. ’’
If you would like to get involved please email [email protected]
For further information please visit www.citizenleaderlab.co.za
