Government and Alexander Forbes embark on developmental journey through partnership to improve the quality of education
Thursday 4 August 2011 will see Alexander Forbes Group Chief Executive Edward Kieswetter join the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe for the official launch of the Memezelo Secondary School adopt-a-school programme, in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.
The adopt-a-school programme is part of government’s accord on basic education and business partnerships aimed at improving education systems by enabling the private sector to adopt underperforming schools.
On agreeing to partner with government through the Office of the Deputy Presidency on this project, Alexander Forbes’ Chief Executive, Edward Kieswetter, said “without just throwing money and walking away, we have worked with Memezelo Secondary to identify how we can use what we are good at as a business to improve the leadership and management capacity of this school. The result of this developmental journey will enhance the overall performance of the school to benefit learners.”
This transfer of key leadership and management skills by Alexander Forbes amounts to a sustainable contribution towards improving the quality of education in our country.
To this end, Alexander Forbes has identified areas where it is able to use its core expertise to enhance the performance and educational outcomes of Memezelo Secondary School through the provision of four programmes:
- Leadership development promoting efficient management and effective leadership. The Chief Executive will personally work with the Principal of Memezelo Secondary School, transferring leadership skills. Similarly the Executive Team of Alexander Forbes will partner with the school board in the development of effective management strategies and skills.
- Broad-based capacity building ensuring that Memezelo Secondary School complies with relevant legislation, develops and owns the knowledge necessary for effective educational outcomes, teaches learners to confront and manage HIV/AIDS and empowers the schools’ community in wealth management. Alexander Forbes will also assist with career guidance.
- School administration promoting seamless administration using modern technology while enhancing computer literacy, safety and health amongst educators and learners.
- Resource support designed to explore opportunities to invest in the physical upgrading of the school creating an environment conducive to learning.
Since Memezelo Secondary School is part of a larger community, Alexander Forbes’ intends to share best practices learned along the way with neighbouring schools. This will help grow the footprint of this project in accordance with the organisations’ higher purpose to enhance the quality of life of all they deal with.
Edward Kieswetter is confident that this programme will “contribute immensely towards improving school management and learner performance and looks forward to graduates of Memezelo Secondary School one day joining our staff and helping grow our vision.”
