Future leaders of tomorrow: Leadership brought to life!
Melissa on the left with Students from ALA.
When it comes to educational institutions, it seems as though; the more developed the physical infrastructure, the more reputable the school is. However, the true success of the facility lies within the execution of the overall curriculum, the dedication of the staff and the performance of the students.
As a supporter of the Diamond Empowerment Fund, I had the honor of visiting the African Leadership Academy (ALA) campus with my husband during our stay in Johannesburg, South Africa. ALA is a very reputable boarding school located in Honeydew and founded in September 2008.
Not only is the campus inviting and conducive for intense studies but the staff are fully equipped and the curricula is structured in order to prepare the students for leadership. Thus producing excellent results!
The students spoke freely and eloquently about their own experiences on campus and how they value the opportunity they have been given at ALA. Such great dialogue!
I was most impressed by the type of program laid out for these promising 16 – 19 year olds. Their studies include a primary focus on Pan African studies, which serves as an integral part of leadership grooming for these young African students.
ALA Library
Also, students are encouraged to start small businesses on campus for example a pizzeria, hair salon and many more. These businesses help to promote teamwork and teach them how to operate a business.
In addition to their studies and student-owned “businesses” they also make it a point to give back to their communities. The income generated from these projects is allocated towards specific causes and several clubs have also been established to encourage further community involvement. I LOVE THAT!
As we continued on the “Tour of Leadership”, led by Teboho Mabuka, we became even more inspired. Although it was a school break, choir practice was still in session. This became the highlight of the entire tour!
Hearing their voices come together as one without any adult supervision spoke volumes about our future leaders and reconfirmed to us that:
• their level of maturity was impeccable;
• their ability to set a goal and lead/ help each other to accomplish it was admirable;
• and they had a playful side which was very lovable.
We walked away even more convinced that the African Leadership Academy is providing all the necessary tools for the students and bringing future African “Leadership to Life”. The time and money invested in these students is certainly not in vain.
I commend Diamond Empowerment Fund for embarking on the vision, “Helping Africans Help Africa”. Russell Simmons, Ellen Haddigan and Lesego Mathware you are fulfilling this vision through the continued support of ALA. Thank you for this opportunity and keep up the great work! Chris Bradford thank you for organizing the tour on such short notice and taking the time out to speak with us, your team at ALA is phenomenal!
Melissa joined by ALA student, Teboho Mabuka and ALA Co-founder, Chris Bradford.
MEET MELISSA TSWANA-DANIELS
Melissa Tswana-Daniels migrated to New York about 10 years ago from her hometown in Harare, Zimbabwe to pursue her studies. While in school, she had the opportunity to intern for an investment advisor which eventually hired her full-time. Currently, Melissa is a Disaster Recovery & IT Management Coordinator, an analyst for distressed debt instruments and part of the operations team for a global investment firm located in mid-town Manhattan.
In addition to that, this Southern African, whose roots are spread across Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho & South Africa; has been actively involved in several local and global community organizations that focus on youth empowerment, fighting against social injustice, grassroots political movements and several other philanthropic projects.
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I’ve been in the beautiful city of Hong Kong for almost a week now. I am here to raise money for the Diamond Empowerment Fund (DEF), my non-profit organization which is dedicated to supporting the empowerment of African youth.
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