Tomorrow’s People College was excited and honoured to be approached by Eramet, a French multinational mining and metallurgy company, for their team of 15 global, diverse leaders to spend a morning engaging with our high school students early in June of this year.
The Eramet team comprised leaders from France, Senegal, Brazil, Gabon, New-Caledonia, Argentina and India. Their visit was part of a leadership development programme to support Eramet’s growth in leadership, performance and strategic capabilities which they regard as imperative for the future of their organisation.
The team hoped to gain insights into South African society, economy and culture. Their morning at Tomorrow’s People was dedicated to a pro bono activity: meeting with young students aged 13 to 18 and sharing their experiences as leaders and professionals.
Upon their arrival, the team was warmly welcomed by our student leaders, prefects and staff. After a welcoming speech by our Head Boy and Head Girl and a presentation by the Principal, Zelna Botes, on our school’s history, its vision and mission and future plans, the team toured the school and its facilities.
They then split up into focus groups and, accompanied by teachers, spent the morning engaging with our students, exchanging and sharing insights on their respective careers and passions. We believe that the objective of the visit, to inspire and educate our students about various professional paths, provide real-world examples of success and motivate our students on the value of pursuing their own aspirations was a huge success.
Our high school learners heard about transformation tools and team member success stories, and received inspiring advice. They, in turn, engaged the team by asking insightful, probing questions; advice on career options and paths to follow to pursue rewarding careers. Our students took part in animated discussions and informative question and answer sessions.
Feedback from our students was that a lasting impression was left as well as a broadening of future potential options available to them.
Our learners made us so proud and created the best impression with some of the Eramet team really needing time to think through and answer some of the probing questions posed to them. The Eramet team thoroughly enjoyed their time with us and were particularly impressed by the enthusiastic, insightful and thought-provoking questions posed by our diverse profile of learners.
We were particularly proud that our Grade 6 class received special commendation for their engagement, although the contributions from all the classes were appreciated. In addition, the team was very impressed with our school and its facilities.
We believe that the team gained insight into the vision of Tomorrow’s People College and left our students with invitations to look to Eramet for future career opportunities and advice; and with invitations for possible internships – and possibly even scholarships when the time was right.
See some of the feedback below received from the Eramet team:
- We were all inspired by the kindness, sharpness, growth mindset and involvement of the kids
- We believe the kids have the tools to become model citizens of the new era
- A truly inspiring school that values effort and where differences do not prevent learning
- An amazing experience of interacting with a great group of kids
- We were extremely impressed with their great mindset, curiosity, and discipline
- They are truly being prepared to be ‘tomorrow’s people.’