Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. Education contributes to nation-building!”
Partners for Possibility, a proudly South African leadership development and principal support programme, echo Mandela’s sentiments and believe quality education is a powerful vehicle of opportunity and an effective equaliser in a country riddled by inequality.
Currently only 20% of the 25,000 government schools provide quality education that is 80% produce poor education outcomes. This means that 20 000 under-resourced schools need our support.
“Our aim is to ensure Mandela’s legacy lives on through improving the educational outcomes of South African public schools. We do this by mobilising active citizens from the business world. We partner business leaders, who are well-trained to assume leadership positions and manage change with principals from under-resourced schools,” explains Dorcas Dube, Marketing and Communications Manager of Partners for Possibility.
This process gives principals the confidence, competence and energy to lead change at their schools. They are able to create cohesive teams at schools, motivate their teachers and involve parents and community members in school activities.
Because principals have an impact on every student and teacher at every school, this makes their development a sustainable and cost-effective method to achieve educational improvements.
School leadership is the most critical factor in improving the education system in South Africa. Since its inception 10 years ago, the Partners for Possibility programme has reached over 1,250 schools across all nine of South Africa’s provinces and has touched the lives of over a million learners.
“We believe that education has the ability to unlock other goals and is the foundation for sustainable development. We envisage a South Africa where all children become economically productive adults who are able to develop sustainable livelihoods, while contributing to a democratic society. Our bold and audacious vision for quality education for all South Africa’s children by 2025 remains top of mind,” concludes Dube.
Visit www.PfP4SA.org for more information on the Partners for Possibility programme and Symphonia for South Africa NPC or contact Dorcas Dube: Dorcas@Symphonia.net
Photo: Dorcas Dube – Marketing and Communications Manager of Partners for Possibility.
