Nelson Mandela is a role model around the world for what a confident, responsible and values-oriented leader can achieve for a society. On the 18th of July 2018, Madiba, as he’s affectionately called in his home country, would have turned 100 years old. In honor of this special occasion, Siemens Stiftung and the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg will develop a leadership program together with the Mandela School of Science & Technology (MSST).
At the beginning of this leadership program, the Representative Council of Learners will deal with the symbolism and the values of the “Tree of Wisdom”. The sculpture – a massive, stylized tree – is located on the school grounds and offers students the opportunity to sit down on wooden benches and reflect upon the statesman’s quotes that are engraved into the base of the sculpture. When the students have determined the values that are most important to them, they will develop a project that puts these values into practice in their everyday school life. Further workshops for educators, counselors and the school board will follow. To establish a joint teaching culture at the school, other initiatives, such as a “Coaching network” and a “Train-the-Trainer” concept, are planned as well.
Madiba’s values and leadership style will thereby be embedded in the Mandela School of Science & Technology.