African Leadership Academy: Raising the Bar for Secondary Education

To bring about future peace in Africa, most would agree that good leadership is necessary. This was also the founding vision that the team of founders had when they decided to open the African Leadership Academy in 2004. Located on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa, the non-profit academy is focused on instilling a sense of excellent leadership in Africa’s next generation of adults.

To date, the African Leadership Academy has already raised over $1 million, because supporters believe so much in their mission. The school is a coeducational boarding school that focuses on those students ages 16-19 years. Students at this age are perfect for teaching leadership skills to, which can become a key factor in helping to keep peace in the region.

Initially, the school recruited 100 students for enrollment. But, since that time, interest has increased, along with the enrollment, which is at 250 students, or 125 per year. The two-year intensive program for these teens focuses on helping to shape and prepare the students so that they can transform the continent in a positive way.

For many African students, it comes as a relief to learn that money is not a factor in being selected for this academy. Just because someone can pay doesn’t mean they will be admitted. There are scholarships available and the admission is based solely upon merit. The students are kept in small classes, of no more than 12 students, and focus on a curriculum that includes African issues, entrepreneurial training, and leadership development. Attending the program also helps the students to gain access to some of the best universities around the world.

The African Leadership Academy is certainly living up to their mission and is raising the bar for secondary education in Africa. Their impact on the lives of the students that attend the programs, as well as the country, will be long-lasting, as they develop the next generation of peaceful leaders.