Columba Youth Leadership Programme (South Africa)

Supported by the MCS Foundation, the Columba Youth Leadership programme at KwaBhekilanga Secondary School in Alexandra, a suburb of Johannesburg (South Africa), empowers 15-16 year-old students through education and leadership development. Since 2009, Columba has partnered with the Department of Education to embed values-based leadership in high schools, helping students recognize their potential and drive positive change in their lives and communities.

By engaging in transformative projects, students develop essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience. These experiences prepare them for success in further education, entrepreneurship, or the workplace. Columba also offers ongoing support and connections to employment or bursaries for alumni.

 

Thanks to the foundation’s support, we have seen the program’s positive impact, fostering hope and creating brighter futures for thousands of young people, enabling them to lead change in their own lives, schools, and communities.

Thanks to the foundation’s support, we have seen the program’s positive impact, fostering hope and creating brighter futures for thousands of young people, enabling them to lead change in their own lives, schools, and communities.