iNSPIRE Programme

Fourteen years later, iNSPIRE still proves itself as an effective and relevant leadership programme designed and facilitated by Valued Citizens Initiative as it adamantly responds to the plea from Lydia Zigomo (UNFPA) – “By empowering girls to achieve their full potential, we enable them to improve the lives of their families and communities, building more resilient and strong economies. This means that all aspects of society and parts of government need to mount a coherent and coordinated approach to support girls to reach their full potential.”

Focusing on Grade 9 and 10 girl learners from rural and township public schools in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Limpopo and Free State Provinces, to date iNSPIRE programme has reached 1902 grade 9 -10 girl learners from 175 public high schools who in return lead their iNSPIRE clubs in their respective school, having a ripple effect on 132 742 boy and girl learners through sustainable projects that iNSPIRE progressive changes in their lives and school’s communities.

iNSPIRE leadership programme’s primary goal is to address the issue of gender inequalities and poverty in communities by developing and challenging girl learners’ perceptions of self, promote emotional well-being and enable girl learners to grow in stature as young leaders with their environment and ultimately become positive role-models, true inspiration and valued citizens.

Our monitoring journey thereafter is driven for four years, until girl learners reach matric and beyond.

“As a Valued Citizens learner, I have learned the value of taking care of myself, taking time to evaluate situations in my life, thanks to Engie Foundation and the Gauteng Department of Education. I have to respect others and not judge them. I have to take full responsibility for my actions or situations and help others.”

Mmakosha Magadani

Vukani Mawethu Secondary School

“I always make sure to put hard work and determination into everything I do and what I want to achieve. I commit myself in taking full responsibility for my actions in bad and good doings and that’s how I show the value of responsibility as a Valued Citizens learner and leader.”

Dineo Sithole

David Makhubo High School

“I show the value of responsibility in my life as a learner and a Valued Citizen leader by taking responsibility for my actions without blaming anyone. I have learned that as a Valued Citizen, I must hold myself accountable for my actions whether they are wrong or right, thanks to Engie Foundation and the Gauteng Department of Education. I am responsible for making my dreams come true.”

Lehlohonolo Khoza

Phateng Secondary School

“Since I am a Valued Citizens leader, I was taught to have self-esteem and have confidence in myself, so I have gratitude for the opportunity given by Engie Foundation and the Gauteng Department of Education. Now, I am a good learner who shows respect for teachers and others. In the past, I was a person who was angry at others and could not care less. I have learned to be exemplary to my peers by living my values.”

Sarah Maisaka Mailula

Namedi Secondary School

“Valued Citizens taught me that leadership is not about holding a position. Through the iNSPIRE programme, I have learnt that being a leader is about understanding people, supporting them, being a good listener and sharing ideas. There is no need to be good at everything but to be good at something.”

Mbali Mofokeng

Eqinisweni Secondary School