The group had their second Community of Practice meeting on Thursday 25 July at Maope Secondary High School in Bela-Bela.
PfP partners each of the eight school principals with a business leader in their community. Together they will complete a 150 hour programme over the course of one year to the benefit of both. This programme is internationally acclaimed and offered throughout the country.
During their visit, the group learnt more about Maope Secondary High School and the challenges it faces daily.Magdaline Finika Laka is the principal and leads 1169 learners and 37 staff members.
During the meeting the group reflected how they have implemented what they have learnt since their first workshop on Thursday 11 July this year.
“When you listen to others, you give them attention and appreciation. I’m becoming a great listener,” said Ramadimetja Sarah Seloane, principal from Letamong Combined School in Mookgopong.
“The group are connecting well with each other and their partners, building strong relationships, and from there they will implement planning and action for sustainability in the eight schools involved,” said Brenda Scrooby, facilitator.
The 16 partners recently participated in a Flawless Consulting workshop held at Shangri-La Hotel on the outskirts of Modimolle, which was facilitated by Anita Moerman van Blankenburg from Symphonia Leadership Development.
According to Scrooby a growing body of literature recognises school leadership as the critical factor in turning around an education system in crisis. International research shows that the key differences between schools that succeed and schools that fail are the vision, commitment and leadership skills of the principal and the extent to which parents and other community members are involved in the school.
The Partners for Possibility programme will inevitably develop leadership and support principals to lead change and mobilise the communities surrounding their schools.
