1. Improve the integrity of the school system by:
2. Develop and support the academic curriculum through:
Strategic planning is one of the most important factors that have an impact on performance and is one of the modern managerial toolkits that can be used not only to deal with uncertain cases but also to stimulate performance (Alosani, et al., 2020). Therefore, it is a critical mechanism in an organizational setting as it assists in determining and achieving an organization’s goals and objectives and bridges the gap between where the organization is and where it wants to be.
Valued Citizens Initiative (VCI), our service provider for this topic, has been engaged to bridge this gap. They firmly believe that if schools adopt this inclusive approach, it will not only maximize their performance but will also compel the leadership from school management teams (SMT), governing bodies (SGB), and learners’ representative councils (RCL) to cultivate the opportunities around them, to advance the vision of the school, articulate the values and create a nurturing culture for the growth of stakeholders.
During 2022 follow up sessions to the programme, Values in the Lead Strategic planning was held with school management teams (SMT, SGB, and RCL) that participated in the programme during 2021. It engages the management team in a strategic planning session focusing on the theory of change and leading the vision of the school while articulating the values through behaviour setting the direction. From these follow-up or mentoring sessions, there can be specific operations to support the school, for instance, parenting workshops or Gr 12 motivation sessions.
Reference:
Alosani, M.S., Yusoff, R., Al-Dhaafri, H. 2020. The effect of innovation and strategic planning on enhancing organizational performance of Dubai Police. Innovation & Management Review. 17(1):2-24.
Community of Practice meetings is held with a group of people with a common goal, where they connect with peers and discuss best practices. These meetings are held with principals and deputies as well as ECD practitioners.
To develop educators professionally Valued Citizen’s Initiative (VCI) facilitated the programme Values in the lead: Transformative Reflective Training for educators. This is a 40-hour-long workshop spread out over the year, accredited with 15 CPTD points by SACE. The following main topics were discussed: belonging to a school with pride, the power of self-esteem for educators and learners, communicating with openness and empathy, moral regeneration and the culture of ubuntu, diversity in our schools and society, and the creative classroom.
Vision FM Radio Station is a Non-Profit Organisation licensed with the South African Independent Communication Authority of South Africa and broadcasts to the communities within the Mopani District Municipalities. Their motto is “the voice of hope and source of knowledge” and their vision “to restore hope within our communities by building a responsible society through the radio programmes”.
The manager of Kaross Foundation conducts monthly interviews with presenters to discuss relevant topics such as parents’ role in supporting their children, and how to further develop literacy in their home language and English. This platform enables Kaross Foundation to engage with parents and therefore increase parental involvement in schools and the education of children.
Sondela Dialogues hosted by Valued Citizens Initiative is for secondary school learners. It develops learners’ engagement in a creative way and allows for open dialogues. These dialogues give learners a voice on current matters and social ills. The highlight of the programme is when learners can express their views by making art.
Learners discuss the following topics amongst others: “I have a right to a sense of safety and feel free”, “H.O.M.E = Habits Of the Mind to Enhance positivity”, “let’s work together – media, government, and citizens – to stop violence in our communities”, “education is a community matter, make me feel safe, and cared for, and I will thrive”, and “do not give me a grant, grant me opportunities to take part in our economy”
“At Valued Citizens Initiative, we establish and uphold Open Dialogues as the most effective and efficient tool that would permeate optimistic active-citizenry. This will in turn augment the constitutional literacy amongst our youth and allow for the youth to consciously engage in their role as active citizens to strengthen our democracy. In Letsitele rural areas, thanks to Kaross Foundation, Valued Citizens Initiative in a joint venture with 4 public high (secondary) schools have embarked on a journey to create platforms for the youth to freely voice out their opinions, perceptions, and aspirations that would reflect on personal values as well as the values of the Constitution.“ Carole Podetti Ngono, Managing Director and Founder of VCI
The Fun with English programme assists the Kaross Foundation partnering schools to become well-functioning academic institutions.
The programme encourages all teachers to introduce an English-speaking environment within their schools and classes so that learners can use and assimilate everyday English language innately over the years. It equips them to effectively understand and use the Second Language Approach (known in South Africa as English FAL) within their classrooms. The workshops hosted by Magri’s Language Institute (MLI) show educators how to teach the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in context, as well as understanding the importance and integration of themed vocabulary and graded grammar structures in class — not ignoring but amalgamating the Department of Basic Education (DBE) syllabus.
The Fun with English workbooks, developed by MLI, is used in schools as complementary course material. It supplements the DBE syllabus. The series encompasses practical exercises and fun learning activities that are comprehensive and easy to use. Each book covers fundamental components not included in the children’s current curriculum syllabus.
Cami (Computer aided math instruction) labs are, in effect, computer labs with the Cami programme loaded on each computer. Primary school learners take turns to have lessons in the Cami lab and, the manager assists the learners and report on their progress. The lab manager also works closely with the relevant subject teachers to be able to assist the learners effectively and look at them holistically.
We are currently using the following Cami software: Cami Mathematics, Perceptual Skills Builder, Literacy, and Reader. For more information about the programmes or Cami, please visit their website at www.cami.co.za.
We use Cami because they have been at the forefront of developing and delivering high-performance electronic curriculum content since 1984.
The company created its unique practice software to help learners acquire and develop new skills. Since then, the programs have continually been updated to keep up with the latest technological advancements. However, as a Foundation, we aim to continuously compare and research other software programs to ensure we maintain a good standard of education.
As part of the subject Agricultural Management Practices learners need practical exposure in the agriculture industry. This subject is for grades 10 to 12.
“A standout feature of the past year has been the continued growth in trust and transparency between all role players. It serves as a solid foundation from which we can continue working towards our stated objective of making a real and lasting positive impact in the educational outcomes of our partner schools and ECD centres.” Jan-Louis Pretorius
In the continued pursuit of our stated mission – working for real impact – our theme for the year was built around the slogan of “Come closer”. This theme was selected based on our strong belief in the Kaross Foundation’s ability to bring together a family of likeminded stakeholders, service providers and partner schools, forming a powerful alliance working towards sustainable change in the educational outcomes of children in our community…
“With unrestricted access and the need for functional schooling systems post-pandemic greater than ever, our Kaross Foundation team worked with…
