Uplifting Community and Business: SMME Leaders can do both
If you are interested to join this once in a lifetime opportunity, contact Trudie Cronje via email at trudie@citizenleaderlab.org, or on 056 817 7735 (office).
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.
Commencing this September, the launch offers a unique opportunity for eight leaders of small to medium-sized enterprises
(SMME’s) from the area to participate in the programme free of charge.
Robust leadership is integral to the success of SMME’s 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, managements skills and access to social capital to create conductive
teaching and learning environments within their schools.
The 12-month programme provides 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.
Three workshops are part of the programme, offering opportunities for skill development and self-growth. Beyond enhancing basic
leadership skills, the programme boasts unparalleled networking opportunities – all with the awareness of the time constraints these leaders face.
Selwin 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 tools to overcome challenges unique to them.”
“A SMME leader works 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.
If you are interested to join this once in a lifetime opportunity, contact Trudie Cronje via email at trudie@citizenleaderlab.org, or
on 056 817 7735 (office).
