Symphonia for South Africa, a non-profit organisation, bestowed school principals from various rural schools in the province with leadership certificates for participating in its Partners for Possibility leadership programme at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World last Thursday evening.
The principals embarked on a 12-months leadership development programme that included flawless consulting and community building methods. They went through a personal development training and coaching to support the development of their schools.
Marietjie du Toit, Learning Process Facilitator at Partners for Possibility said during the programme the principals were re-energised and confident, optimistic about their ability to effect change at their schools and communities.
“We had principals from Siloe School for the Blind, Kabelo Secondary School, Mamochoko High School, Matshipi Secondary School, Peter Nchabeleng Secondary School, Mamafa Secondary School, O.R Mabotja Secondary School, Makgofe High School, Luthuli Park Combined School and Ramashobohle High School.
These schools are poor and some are confronted with social ills such as teenage pregnancy and drug abuse. Through the programme they managed to change some of the conditions at their respective schools. They were also taught on how to build a stronger and deeper relationship with stakeholders and also how to influence change without the formal power to command. It also provided them with an opportunity to build a real sense of community among colleagues, teams and departments.
The programme enabled them to ensure that children in impoverished areas have access to broader educational opportunites such as sports, culture and enrichment programmes,” Du Toit explained.
Nelly Mothapo, Principal of O.R Mabotja Secondary School said through the programme she learned more about management role. “The programme helped me to improve my leadership and management skills. I learned a lot from other principals. We shared experiences on how to deal with challenges at our schools. At my school there is learners’ ill-discipline, lack of commitment from learners and no sense of ownership from the parents. Through the programme we were able to address those challenges,” Mothapo said.
Beauty Mutheiwana, Department of Education head (HOD) applauded the two institutions for equipping their principals with these fundamental management skills. “Education is a societal matter and we are happy to see organisations coming on board to equip our educators with the necessary knowledge. The principals must go and share what they have learned with their educators and community,” she said.
Story and photos: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com
