Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders is excited to announce their first Alumni Summit
Nova Pioneer Schools for Innovators and Leaders - is excited to announce their first Alumni Summit, taking place virtually, on Saturday, 21 May 2022 at 11:00 (SAST)/ 12:00 (EAT). This much-anticipated event will bring together graduates from both South African and Kenyan regions to engage in dialogue with industry leaders from a variety of disciplines, including education, culture, business, health, politics, technology, and hospitality.
These discussions and efforts are aligned with Nova Pioneer's Post-School Success programme, which aims to leverage different stakeholders in a Nova Pioneer student’s ecosystem to facilitate their exploration and understanding of themselves.
Post School Connections that Transcend Geography
The pan-African network of schools provides Nova Pioneer students with a unique lens on connection with their peers across the continent and beyond. Nova Pioneer is committed to providing students with a positive pan-African perspective and promoting the importance of understanding self and others through cross-regional and international engagements.
“It is important for us to ensure that our students are building a sense of pride in their identities whilst part of a pan-African network. These identities are key to our students’ understanding and investment in moving the continent forward. We believe in the power of our students and our alumni, to create a fundamental impact on this African Century.” shares Chinezi Chijioke, co-founder and CEO of this pan-African independent school group that builds and operates world-class, affordable schools for students in grades preschool through secondary.
Post-School Success Programme
Strategically planned to coincide with Africa Month and a few days before Africa Day, the summit underscores Nova Pioneer's dedication to developing high-quality innovators and leaders both during and after their time at the school. The school believes many elements can impact a student’s ability to succeed after completing secondary school.
"We want to ensure that students perform well academically and that they feel supported and prepared to succeed beyond Nova Pioneer," says Rahel Wondwossen, Nova Pioneer’s Chief Academic Officer. “We recognise that those paths will be as diverse as our students are, reflecting their passions and talents. To that effect, we have a Post-School Success (PSS) programme to provide all students with personalised guidance on exploring post-school options. Our PSS programme is a unique offering available to our senior secondary students.”
Wondwossen continues, “We established the PSS Team with the aim of equipping students with practical tools for preparation in life after school. The team supports students in understanding their options and what benefits and challenges each may come with.”
Alumni and Guest Speakers
Nova Pioneer has used their influence and connections to put together a panel of guest speakers that will undoubtedly offer a new world of information and opportunities for their alumni, current and prospective parents and students, as well as friends of the school network.
Chris Khaemba, former headmaster of Alliance High School and founding Dean of the African Leadership Academy in South Africa, will give an opening address. He is widely considered as one of Africa's best educators. Khaemba has also served as the executive for education, young affairs, children, culture, and social services in the government.
The opening address will be followed by keynote speakers, the first of which is Fred Swaniker, serial entrepreneur, leadership development expert and founder of three organisations that aim to catalyse a new generation of ethical, entrepreneurial African leaders: African Leadership Academy, the African Leadership Network and the Room.
The final speech is given by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, an award-winning author, TED Talk speaker, and one of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people. Her voice is emblematic of power, courage, hard work, and the pan-African vision we should all strive for, touching on issues that are recurring themes in her work such as politics, culture, race, and gender.
As she puts it, “the real tragedy of our postcolonial world is not that the majority of people had no say in whether or not they wanted this new world; rather, it is that the majority have not been given the tools to negotiate this new world.” These words animate the Nova Pioneer pedagogy, encouraging Novaneers to always look for solutions first, to speak up, to enquire, and to collaborate in order to change Africa's future.
Further workshops will be hosted by various industry leaders and entrepreneurs, including Ofentse Lekwane, Muhammad Simjee, Esther Mwaniki, Aditya Mata, Liz Njendu, Dr. Yvonne Wanjiru, as well as a number of Nova Pioneer alumni from both South Africa and Kenya, sharing their journeys after leaving Nova Pioneer.
The Nova Pioneer Alumni Summit is being held on Saturday 21 May 2022 at 11:00 (SAST)/ 12:00 (EAT). Sign up for this epoch-making virtual event and secure your spot for some of the workshops being hosted by our incredible speakers. Have a look at our social media pages and RSVP today.
