The Michaelhouse Community Partnership Trust team gathered at the beautiful Bali and Eva for our 2026 strategy session, generously hosted by Busi Tshili and facilitated by Steuart Pennington. The setting provided a convivial work space. With a productive year behind us, this workshop gave us time to review and re-set our plans, sharpen our focus, and remind ourselves why the work we do matters.
Seated: Peta Roberts, Karen McKenzie, Ayanda Ntombela, Ruth Hicks, Mpho Phakathi, Ayanda Gwamanda, Akhona Sikhakhane, and host Busi Tshili
Having done the preparatory work we took time to review our 13 projects; 4 special initiatives; fundraising objectives; and social media presence currently under the MCPT umbrella. Important questions were discussed and agreed:
- Who will the beneficiaries be?
- What will be the impact?
- Which team member is accountable?
By the end of the session, every project had a clear picture of its destination, and each champion knew exactly what role they would play in getting us there. To boost our fundraising objectives, Jamie Inglis joined us for part of the morning. His input helped us think differently about how we connect with donors, how we build relationships, and how we keep our long-term supporters close. The session left us feeling inspired and more confident about expanding our funding base.
A major focus was our social media presence – not just publishing updates but telling our story in a way that captures attention and builds trust. We want a wider audience to appreciate the work being done in our 16 partner schools, to follow our progress, and to feel part of our journey.
The resultant 12 page working document will enable us to measure our 2026 progress. It is not set in stone; it will grow and evolve just as our projects do. Each quarter we will meet, make adjustments where needed, and ensure the work remains meaningful for the communities we serve.
The session at Bali and Eva was both energizing and grounding. It reminded us that while our work is serious, the process can still be enjoyable, collaborative, and filled with purpose. With clearer plans, stronger teamwork, and renewed motivation, MCPT is ready to move forward and deliver even greater impact in the months to come.
