Leading change together with Partners for Possibility

It was a true celebration of the rainbow nation as it should be as Partners for Possibility (PFP) celebrated their past year’s achievements at Simbithi Country Club last week.

A group of 18 strangers – nine business partners and nine principals from disadvantaged schools – joined forces in the PFP North Coast Leadership Circle One a year ago with a common goal: to lead change.

Simbithi Eco-Estate general manager Malcolm Samuel said they joined the PFP because they specifically liked the partnership idea.

“Simbithi embarked on a community social investment engagement with our neighbouring communities, specifically Shakashead. Most individuals who live in Shakashead and surrounding areas find employment at Simbithi. In return, the Simbithi board found it appropriate to partner with the community in their attempt to be socially responsible. I use the word ‘partner’ as we did not want to adopt, handout or undignify anyone by what we were going to do,” said Samuel, who partnered with RA Padayachee School principal Aleen Maharaj.

“We believed that some of the social and economic issues that the communities around us faced were a shared responsibility. And choosing to partner with the community was a more dignified approach.”

The circle’s learning process facilitator Terry Dearling said the successful completion of the first year’s programme is a milestone.

“Our circle was the first on the North Coast and it also included the 500th partnership to be formed since our founding in 2010,” said Dearling, who is also a Simbithi resident.

“The real power of the programme is that it does not prescribe a set of prepared steps to a school and its principal. It brings together business leaders, with all their connections, training and experience, and school principals, who themselves have much to add to the programme and often inspire their partners with their bravery, ingenuity and passion for education.”

While the first North Coast circle worked with schools that represented 9418 pupils across the Ilembe district, the newly started second circle will double the overall impact.

“We continually seek more business leaders to join one of the principals on our ever-growing waiting list. We invite any business leader, entrepreneurs or managers to make contact and join this life-changing programme,” said Dearling.

>>  Ready to say ‘I Do’ on the Dolphin Coast? Meet the team ready to advise, help and deliver on your big day.

>>  Visit our Education feature for a collection of all the best schools, tutoring systems, and even some colleges and training facilities on the North Coast.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram