Damelin Western Cape staff at the High Tea event
click to enlargeThis controversial statement made by well-known and esteemed Vice Chancellor of the University of Free State, Professor Jonathan Jansen, set the tone for Damelin's 'Education in Focus' High Tea on Friday, 1 September 2014.
Held at the Protea Hotel President in Bantry Bay, the event attracted top brass representatives from the Department of Education as well as prominent school principals in the Cape Town region. Telkom Executive, Troy Hector, and businessman, Patrick Kadalie also formed part of the guest presentation panel.
The afternoon highlighted the challenges and opportunities within the educational sphere in Western Cape, as well as the synergy of education and business to showcase how schools can be enhanced with technology in order to take education to the next level.
As a private education institution for over 70 years, Damelin continually aims to highlight their objectives which are in line with that of the demands and key concerns of the education landscape.
Western Cape Professor Jonathan Jansen returns home to join Damelin for their ‘Education in Focus’ High Tea
click to enlargePresenting his view on education leadership was Professor Jansen, who spoke passionately about knowing the difference between 'good leadership and corrupt leadership'. He quoted a statement made by the Minister of Basic Education in 2012: "Really, as a teacher myself, 30% for a slow learner is fine." Professor Jansen stressed that leaders who lack influence tend to resort to harsh, authoritarian measures to make their presence felt; lacking confidence and voice, those without influence can be a danger to the organisation.
In an additional presentation, Telkom's Troy Hector enlightened the principals and Department of Education representatives on the positive impact that technology has on schools. Hector made mention of Project Athena, which aims to make education more accessible by providing every pupil and teacher/lecturer with high quality educational material and content via communication technology.
Group Communications Head for Damelin, Jessie Naidoo, said, "The event was indeed a great platform for key professionals within the education sector to meet and network, discussing important issues that affect their schools and community. We look forward to continued participation with the Department of Education, Professor Jansen, and business in order to extend this concept in other regions."
