Let's inspire the future

We all know the power of having someone who believes in us, and the feeling when no-one does and how this undermines our ability to achieve our potential. And nowhere is this more evident than in the recent youth uprisings across the world, where the youth are raising questions about their future and the fears that they face.

These uprisings and comments from youth leaders raise questions about an attitude of entitlement and a lack of regard for social values, which creates doubt about the future that we all face. It also raises questions about the lack of role models to inspire the youth, about education and the chances of finding employment after graduating.

So, how do we recognise that there are future stars out there – matriculants who are prepared to stand in 5 kilometre queues in the heat of summer to gain access to university and be the first generation to reach this milestone?

It all starts with having someone who believes in you, and the reality is that this is not always a reality for our youth – there is no guarantee that there is this support, which is what Future Stars is all about. It’s about recognising that our youth want to achieve, they want to make a difference and they want to get ahead and it’s up to us to believe in them, to give them the support to make it happen, and to inspire them to believe in themselves and the power of education to get them to where they deserve to go.

Inspiring school improvement

The first round of annual national assessments has focused attention on the need for school improvement. Up to 80% of our schools are recognised by the National Planning Commission as dysfunctional, so what can be done to inspire school improvement?

The first step is to believe that it is possible and the next step is to encourage accountability for improvement within each school. A case study by Stanford and Duke university Professors recognises that the solution needs to be owned by those involved, which inspired the A+ School improvement campaign that Argo are currently developing.

The A+ School improvement campaign recognises that everyone needs to be involved in the process of improving education – the school leader, the teachers, the learners and the parents. The campain asks each school to come up with a plan to improve their school and offers them a chance to win a team development workshop to support their development. To motivate the school, the campaign is supported with a Box of stars, which is designed to coach school leaders, recognise the efforts of teachers, and motivate learners to be invested in their education and encourage their parents to be a part of their education.

This practical campaign to empower communities recognises that school leaders and teachers understand the context in which they work and is respectful of their role as education professionals, as it offers the school community the opportunity to take the lead in improving their environment.

Take the lead in this campaign that is designed to have a positive impact in 2 000 high schools across the country. Sponsors may nominate particular schools to receive the Box of Stars or may partner with Argo for the national distribution.

Be part of the solution, and join us in inspiring schools to step up and achieve quality education. Call us on 021 865 2813 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.