Academic recognition for Partners for Possibility

After an emotion-packed year of learning, growing and embracing the unknown, six Partners for Possibility (PfP) North Coast members have been academically rewarded for their achievement.

The University of Western Cape awarded NQF Level 6 Community Leadership accreditation certificates to four principals and two business leaders: Thembisile Mthemebu (Dr BW Vilakazi Primary School), Ntombenhle July (Sizane Combined School), Alzinah Biziwe Magwaza (Mshwati Primary School) and Sihle Mdlalose (Prospect Farm Primary) while the business partners were Carol Church who partnered with Dr B W Vilakazi Primary and Malcolm Samuel with R A Padayachee Primary.

The certificates were based on their portfolio of evidence showing their completion of the leadership development process which included experiential and action learning and five days of formal training courses.

Prospect School principal Sihle Mdlalose said receiving a certificate from the university was a huge accomplishment.

“To be honest some things were tougher than expected along the way and I have experienced moments of self-doubt, but when I got my certificate I looked back on those tough times and said to myself – I did it, I am proud of myself,” said Mdlalose.

Sizani Primary School principal Ntombenhle July said everyone involved in PfP benefited from it.

“Continuous professional development in everybody’s career life is non-negotiable. Not only the principals and business partners benefited in this programme but also our school’s community. I must say a special thank you to my business partner Paul Sparks. To all principals out there, make sure you squeeze yourself in this programme because believe it or not, your school will never be the same again,” said July.

BW Vilikazi Primary School’s business partner Carol Church said being part of PfP has helped her to understand the huge challenges in the education system.

“This programme is a must for every senior manager whether you are in the corporate world, SME or an entrepreneur. It gave me the ability to do something positive while extending myself,” said Church.

This group were part of the first North Coast circle. Since then, two more circles have started and the programme has rolled out to 30 schools on the North Coast.

PfP North Coast learning process facilitator Terry Dearling said she is so proud of the six members and everyone else who is or has been part of the programme.

“The principals are committed to their own personal growth and to improving their schools academically, socially and economically. They are exceptionally hard working and a lot more resourceful than I ever imagined and they care, are humble, tenacious, determined and talented.” said Dearling.

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