The Grade 12 children in our 6 secondary schools have so little opportunity for off-site leadership development programmes. So we are happy to report the recent experience of Jabula Combined School enjoying its second consecutive year of participation in the Columba Leadership Programme, sending three educators including Principal Mr Siya Mnikathi alongside 12 Grade 10 learners, six boys and six girls, for a transformative six-day leadership development experience. The programme took place at Bon Accorde, located near the Albert Falls Dam.
The immersive experience combined outdoor exploration, group workshops, teamwork and creative activities, providing learners with opportunities to explore six core leadership values:
- Focus
- Integrity
- Creativity
- Perseverance
- Service
- Awareness
The programme also encouraged greater self-awareness, personal responsibility and confidence, while strengthening collaboration between educators and learners.
Armed with these values, the returning learners are encouraged to step forward as positive role models and contribute to a cleaner, safer, more respectful and disciplined school environment. Their proposed areas of responsibility include:
- Promoting cleanliness
- Discouraging smoking
- Supporting positive behaviour among peers
- Working alongside educators to address issues affecting the school
With two cohorts of learners now having completed the programme, Jabula Combined School is steadily building a growing network of young leaders who can influence their peers and contribute to sustainable positive change.
As Principal Mr Siya Mnikathi reflected, the programme “enhanced the leadership skills and promoted collaboration between the teachers and learners.”
For learner Samukelisiwe Gwala, the experience strengthened her public speaking and boosted her confidence.
“The journey enables us, as young leaders, to take the values we have learned beyond the camp and into our everyday school lives.”
By Nqobile Zuma – MCPT
Columba Contact Details
- Phone: Mchunu Columba Leadership: +27 74 563 6631/011 440 5790
- Email: info@columba.org.za
- Website: www.columba.org.za
