In a progressive move towards community empowerment and educational excellence, Regent Business School has been a forerunner in launching significant community upliftment projects. The school’s dedication to nurturing talent and skill in underprivileged communities is evident through the establishment of iLeadLABS, innovative educational hubs designed to meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Their dedication to nurturing future leaders and driving innovation was again reinforced with their sponsorship of another cutting-edge Academic Makerspace, iLeadLAB at The Leadership College, a beacon of educational excellence in Manenberg, Western Cape.
The iLeadLAB initiatives, an academic makerspace focusing on technology and innovation, is operational across five learning centres in Southern Africa. These labs serve as a catalyst for students to adapt, innovate, and harness technology to create new knowledge. Recently, two noteworthy projects have marked Regent Business School’s continued commitment to this cause.
In collaboration with the Iqraa Trust, Regent Business School has established an iLeadLAB in September 2021 at the Mandla Mthethwa School of Excellence (MMSE) in Ndumo, a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal. This region, marked by poverty and underdevelopment, faces a critical need for engineering and IT skills. The iLeadLAB at MMSE is a symbol of optimism, providing learners with vital skills to thrive in a highly digital global environment and to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
This project has already demonstrated its impact, with MMSE learners achieving remarkable success at the Eskom Expo 2023. Key achievements include Thandolwethu Bukhosini winning a gold medal for his Innovation Project, Sqiniseko Mpontshane receiving the Best Energy Project award, and multiple students showcasing their proficiency in robotics.
Furthering its educational outreach, Regent Business School has partnered with The Leadership College in Manenberg, Cape Town. Founded by Mrs. Ashra Norton and Dr Ali Adam in 2010, The Leadership College is an emblem of academic excellence in an area challenged by socio-economic issues. This partnership, initiated in a landmark 2022 meeting, aims to enhance the college’s educational capabilities and extend its impact to the broader community.
“We are immensely grateful for Regent Business School’s generous sponsorship and support in establishing the iLeadLAB at The Leadership College which comes fully equipped including a team to train our staff,” said Yousuf Atcha, outgoing Principal of The Leadership College. “This initiative will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for growth and development, preparing them to succeed in an increasingly competitive global landscape.”
Beyond educational initiatives, Regent Business School’s support includes financial aid for the restoration of the college’s facilities, deepening the partnership’s community focus. This collaboration will expose the community to practical technology applications, spurring project initiation and poverty alleviation efforts.
“At Regent Business School, we believe in the transformative power of education and are proud to sponsor initiatives like the iLeadLAB, which empower students to become future leaders and innovators,” said Hoosen Essof, Head of Innovation and Student Experience at Regent Business School. “Our collaboration with MMSE and The Leadership College underscores our dedication to driving positive change through education. In fact, we plan to launch at least one, school-based, iLeadLAB each year going forward.”
To ensure the sustainability of these initiatives, Regent Business School is committed to continuous training and empowerment of staff, students, and the community. The iLeadLABs will not only serve as training facilities but also as entrepreneurial centres, nurturing independent thinkers and future entrepreneurs.
The ongoing strategic meetings between Regent Business School and its partner institutions underscore a firm commitment to educational excellence. These partnerships highlight the significant impact of education and the essential role of leadership and innovation in developing the leaders of tomorrow.
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