Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders recently hosted its first alumni summit which was a success beyond measure.
The summit was the manifestation of the school network’s intention to build connections for Novaneers across the world – even beyond their school years at the school – and unite and mobilise toward an Africa we would all love to live in.
The event, on May 26, started with an overview from curator and facilitator Dr London Moore, followed a welcome message and words of encouragement by decorated veteran educator Chris Khaemba.
Alumni Zanele Mlambo and Zewande Phiri took over as hosts. Their positive outlook made it easy for them to handle the intercontinental audience with the precision of experts.
Entrepreneur, podcaster and alumni Jabu Mtwa was the moderator for the first keynote speaker, serial entrepreneur, Fred Swaniker.
Swaniker highlighted what he called ‘Africa’s seven grand challenges’ which include, urbanisation, education, infrastructure, climate change, governance, and jobs.
Attendees also enjoyed private masterclasses with esteemed speakers, such as Tony Kwalanda, Muhammad Simjee, Esther Mwaniki, Ofentse Lekwane, Aditya Mata, Liz Njendu and Dr Yvonne Wanjiru.
The summit dove into politics, hospitality, marketing, leadership, media, sports, medical, legal, and a range of careers essential in the development of Africa.
Alumni Shakira Mwakitawa moderated the last keynote speaker, novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Adichie advised the alumni to read as widely as they can. “Do not just read one kind of thing, it is important to read very widely so that you know not only the things you like but also the things you don’t like and then you will be able to articulate why.”
In his closing comments, CEO and co-founder of Nova Pioneer Chinezi Chijioke thanked attendees, alumni and speakers and shared a brief summary of the day.
Chinezi also reminded the alumni who could not make the summit or are not where they thought they would be after graduation, “There is no mountain without a valley, there is no reaching the mountain top without a climb.”
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