About Columba

Founded in 2009 our goal is to ensure that hundreds of thousands of young people become alive to their potential and recognize their ability to lead change in their own lives, their schools and communities. We also aim to ensure that high schools in South Africa are capacitated to make values, youth engagement and youth-adult partnerships part of the school culture and thereby foster conducive environments for development, learning and teaching. After leaving schools, Columba alumni are connected to an purpose-led network of peers for support, to collaborate in action that can serve society, and be connected to employment or bursary opportunities or showcase their own businesses with others.

Our purpose is awakening the leader within to change lives and their communities.

We work in close association with the Department of Education, building the capacity of high schools, serving economically disadvantaged communities to embed our values-based leadership model.

"We have witnessed a dramatic change in the behavioural traits in learners… as well as their high level of respect for their teachers and environment."

Mr N Maloka, PILO Provincial Manager, Kwa Zulu Natal Department of Education

TRACK RECORD

Columba Leadership has established a powerful track record since inception. We have produced more than 8700 values driven leaders across 7 provinces. We have worked in 223 high schools. We have an alumni network of some 3500 out-of-school youth.

THE SCHOOLS WE WORK WITH

Over the past few years we have touched various corners of South Afica, positioning ourselves in a number of provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Western Cape, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.

We are proud of the impact we have achieved throughout the country (see the live coverage map on the left). Our impact is vast and is something we value tremendously.

VIEW OUR IMPACT


CUMULATIVE SCHOOLS WE HAVE WORKED IN

CUMULATIVE SCHOOLS WE HAVE WORKED IN

Cumulative Number of Participants

TOTAL NUMBER OF GRADUATES

“We were not incapable; it was just that our state of mind told us that we were.”

Kenon van Wyk, Oval North

DIFFERENTIATORS

There are a number of things that set Columba Leadership apart from other programmes.

- We have an effective engagement model that is highly endorsed by principals.

- The capacity of schools is built over a 3-year partnership for sustainability.

- The network of individuals and schools are connected into a social network for learning, sharing, innovation and support.

- We have powerful impact on youth and adults with a multiplier effect through peer-on- peer leadership.

- The Columba Leadership Programme places youth agency at the centre of the programme.

- Ethical values of responsible leadership become a compass, guiding young people’s choices and behaviours.

- The programme brings schools, youth and employers together to improve youth employment.

IPN Global Best Award – 2012
Impumelelo Centre for Social Innovation Gold Award – 2013
Finalist Future Youth Development Award – 2015
FirstRand Innovation Award - 2015
Ministerial Youth Excellence Gold Award – 2016
Beneficiary of the CEO SleepOut™ - 2016
Shortlisted for its partnership with M4JAM in the Unilever Global Development Awards - 2017
Trialogue Strategic CSI Award to Merchants for its partnership with Columba - 2018
ANDE’S ‘Sector Building Award : Youth Opportunities’ - 2019

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Awakening the Leader within to change lives and their communities.

PROGRAMME

Our programme includes a number of inter-related activities that involve different stakeholders in the school, the principal, school management team and learners with a special emphasis on Grade 10 learners. Some of the activities take place at residential venues and these are aimed at building catalysts who can embed change in schools. Other activities occur in the school space allowing large portions of the school community to become involve in constructive activities aimed at bringing about positive change.

The programme:

  • Builds values-based leadership competence
  • Bonds the school community
  • Bridges out of school learners to transition supporting opportunities.
  • Connects our partners to an inspired and active social network.
View the Impact we've made

Our Values

The Columba values based leadership programme develops the grit or character that leads to academic and professional success.
The six values found to be central to leadership but which can also help young people become sought after employees are:

Awareness

Awareness

Knowing and understanding yourself, other people and your environment.

Focus

Focus

Recognising and concentrating on critical and essential information.

Creativity

Creativity

Seeing and implementing solutions, ideas and initiatives.

Integrity

Integrity

Being reliable and trustworthy, remaining whole and true to your potential.

Perseverance

Perseverance

Enduring and remaining strong when faced with complications, tragedy and resistance.

Service

Service

Sharing resources selflessly and effectively, using your strength and experience to take meaningful action and contribute to the greater good.

EMPLOYABILITY

Engagement in practical, hands-on transformational projects over the course of the programme helps develop 21st century workplace skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, communication, resilience, self-awareness and of course, leadership.

This leads to competencies that are not generally found in average school-leavers - however well they do in their exams - that provide an advantage to Columba graduates in the next stage of their lives; be it further education, starting their own enterprise or in the work place.

“We have recently had the privilege of hiring some of the Columba graduates who have been through the program and these individuals are fantastic even better than long serving agents.

Deven Govender, Call Centre Manager, Merchants

Become part of supporting the positive journey of schools and youth. Support Columba Leadership.

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