The management and leadership of learning institutions in South Africa have a substantial impact on the outcomes of education in the country. By providing inspirational leadership and effective management to learning institutions, the context for learners within those institutions can be greatly improved. In realising the pressures faced in education, the Shuttleworth Foundation is committed to finding ways to strengthen these individuals and the systems that support them in their leadership and management roles.
School principals and their management teams are tasked with balancing many diverse strategic and practical responsibilities and the success of a school depends on their ability to effectively manage these tasks.
However, the Foundation also recognises that leadership need not come only from those in managerial positions but can be displayed by anyone related to the system. These individuals should also be recognised and encouraged to offer leadership in their area of expertise.
The Foundation believes that strengthening management and leadership in schools and the greater education system while establishing structures in which the learner’s interests are prioritised are vital components of creating new possibilities in education and improving the efficiency of educational institutions in delivering the best possible services.
The Shuttleworth Foundation has invested in a number of projects in this area. We are not actively seeking new investments at the moment, as we are awaiting the results of the latest projects before potentially expanding our involvement in this area of focus. We remain interested in this theme, however, and continue to monitor issues pertaining to it for future consideration.