On Saturday 14 December, the STAR Leadership Academy held its inaugural graduation ceremony at its newly built campus in Shawasha Hills, Harare.
The graduation ceremony saw 78 students graduate from the Academy after going through a full-year premier leadership programme that immersed them in a world-class leadership curriculum. During the event, individual students were also recognised for their outstanding performance in different categories with the most significant award being the STAR student of the year which was conferred by the Academy Founders Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa and Ms Tanya Masiyiwa.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, the Co-Founder and Director of Academies Ms Tanya Masiyiwa proudly congratulated the young leaders on their academic achievements and successful graduation from the Academy. She also commended them on giving their all throughout the year, “Looking back on 2019 it really has been phenomenal and blessed year. I really am proud of all the things our students have achieved and I am extremely excited about what these STAR Leaders will do next. To the Class of 2019, well done once again. You are pioneers and are on the cusp of achieving amazing things as the first cohort of STAR Leaders! ” she remarked.
Also at the momentous occasion was Econet CEO Dr Douglas Mboweni, whose keynote speech left the graduates motivated to go out, lead and serve their communities. Co-Founder and Patron of the STAR Leadership Academy, Mrs Tsitsi Masiyiwa was elated and reiterated the importance of the Academy’s world-class and uniquely designed curriculum which raises young leaders with the ability to create transformation in their communities, nations and continent. “The more we infuse young people with a different dna we infuse that same character, that same persona into a nation we dearly love,” Mrs Masiyiwa stated.
The STAR Leadership Academy is a leadership institute driven by Higherlife Foundation’s dedication to raising young leaders who can change communities and impact lives. STAR Leadership Academy opened in Zimbabwe in February 2019, with two campuses, SLA: City Campus in Harare and SLA: Farm Campus in Marondera.
The one-year leadership program saw students receive lectures from thought-leaders such as Harvard University Professor Emmanuel Akyeampong, engage the Parliament of Zimbabwe, World Bank and African Development Bank, travel to heritage sites across Zimbabwe and visit Rwanda on a learning excursion.
Following their graduation from the Academy, the 39 high school students will go on to complete their A Level or IB studies at both local and renowned international secondary schools.
The 39 post-graduate students who were based at the Farm Campus, started various agri-businesses and will continue working on these engaging the full ecosystem of agri-solutions under the Econet Group.
With recruitment for the next cohort of students complete and the school year expected to commence in February 2020, we look forward to yet another phenomenal year for Zimbabwe’s premier Academy.
