By Sibulele Magini (Head of school, Molo Mhlaba Schools)
Photo Credit: Dr Tracy Jentzsch - Sibulele Magini with the Governor of Delaware at the State Capital in Dover
It is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect upon my participation in the prestigious
Mandela Washington Fellowship, a life-altering experience that allowed me to delve deep
into leadership training. This journey took me across the Atlantic, from the tip of South
Africa to the United States, where I spent six weeks at the University of Delaware gaining
valuable leadership training. This was followed by an inspiring week in Washington D.C,
where the Summit was held, and four weeks in Baltimore City at the Digital Harbor
Foundation, where I acquired essential tech and leadership skills. All these experiences have
profoundly shaped our vision and aspirations for Molo Mhlaba Schools.
The Mandela Washington Fellowship, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State, is a
highly competitive program that brings together young African leaders for intensive,
academic coursework and leadership training. For our school, Molo Mhlaba, to be selected to participate in this prestigious fellowship was nothing short of a dream come true. The
fellowship, named after the iconic Nelson Mandela and his legacy, is designed to empower
emerging African leaders in various fields. For us, it was a unique opportunity to strengthen
our vision of providing quality education, particularly in the fields of STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
Our journey began at the University of Delaware, a place known for its academic excellence
and commitment to leadership development. During our six weeks there, I had the privilege
of participating in a dynamic leadership program, which included intensive workshops,
seminars, and interactions with distinguished faculty members and fellow participants. The
experience not only expanded my understanding of leadership but also provided insights into
how I could enhance our school's leadership framework.
Following our time in Delaware, I had the opportunity to attend the Summit in Washington
D.C. The summit was a culmination of our fellowship journey and an incredible experience
that exposed us to some of the world's most influential leaders. The inspiration and energy at
the summit were overwhelming. It made me realize the importance of networking and collaboration for a global impact, and these lessons are now being integrated into our school's ethos.
Our journey then took us to Baltimore City, where I spent four weeks at the Digital Harbor
Foundation. Here, I gained hands-on experience in technology education, including coding,
robotics, and digital literacy. Equally important, I had the privilege of working closely with
mentors and educators who shared their insights into effective leadership in a tech-driven
educational setting. This invaluable experience at Digital Harbor Foundation has equipped
me with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead a STEM school like Molo Mhlaba into
the future.
Our participation in the Mandela Washington Fellowship 2023 has been a transformative
experience, not just for me as the Headmaster but also for our school community as a whole.
We return to South Africa with a newfound determination to integrate the principles of
effective leadership and technology education into our curriculum. We are committed to
creating a learning environment that not only prepares our girls academically but also
empowers them with the skills and mindset to navigate the challenges of the digital age.
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, we express our deepest gratitude to the Mandela
Washington Fellowship program, the University of Delaware, the Summit organizers, and the
Digital Harbor Foundation for their unwavering support and guidance. We look forward to a
future where Molo Mhlaba Schools will stand as a beacon of excellence in STEM education,
black girls leadership, and innovation.
In the spirit of Nelson Mandela's legacy, we are determined to be the change we wish to see,
not just in our school, but in the wider world. This journey has only just begun, and we are
excited to see where it will lead us in our continued efforts to provide a world-class education
and make a lasting impact on the lives of young black girls in the under-served community of
Khayelitsha and the broader community. The Mandela Washington Fellowship 2023 has not
only opened doors but also ignited the flames of inspiration that will guide us on this
extraordinary path.
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