As we conclude 2024, we reflect on a year of impactful initiatives, partnerships, and growth. This year presented various opportunities that we used to showcase our commitment to empower teachers and transform education in South Africa and beyond.
“Our vision to create impactful leaders in education is stronger than ever. Each achievement this year is a step toward a more equitable and dynamic education system.”
— Hassiena Marriott, Executive Director
Here are some highlights that made 2024 extraordinary for us:
- On the 5th of April, we hosted our Internal Evaluation Launch with the Department of Basic Education and Mpumalanga Department of Education. 67 delegates attended and conversations motivated the need for internships as a critical component in teacher development.
- Our partnership with Teach With Africa facilitated an enriching exchange program, with 8 Global Teachers Institute representatives going to San Francisco for 3 weeks in April. We also hosted 10 educators from San Francisco in July here in South Africa. This experience fostered cross-cultural learning and professional development.
- We celebrated the graduation of 23 Future Leaders at our Graduation Ceremony in July. 65% have already secured employment in the education sector. This milestone reflects our dedication to nurturing impactful leaders committed to educational excellence.
The richness of this exchange program is difficult to capture in all its forms; culturally, professionally, historically, and interpersonally. The experience I had far exceeded my expectations for true exposure to the country, its people, and how GTI is effecting change through dedicated, intentional, educational program work. – Peggy Laurent; Town School for Boys San Francisco; Teach with Africa Fellow
- The TICZA Workshop on October 3 brought together higher education institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen the quality of internship programs. Key outcomes included how to develop trust mechanisms and improve capacity for internships.
- The Injini Mastercard Foundation partnership sponsored critical initiatives, including revising our Monitoring & Evaluation framework, refining our branding and communications strategy, fundraising strategy and piloting FL!P with new partners.
- Our 2024 Axis Summit hosted on the 4th and 5th of July, had 207 in person guests at the event. Complementing the summit were our FLAME workshops (smaller summits hosted in various regions) and to date, we have hosted a total 770 delegates.
I have actively sought solutions by engaging with the community and exploring various avenues of growth. My dedication shows my belief in the importance of equal opportunities for all students and the important work of this organisation. – Solange Kabeya, GTI Alumni & Gauteng Regional Schools Coordinator.
- Upgrades to FL!P have set the stage for scaling program evaluation and data-driven decision-making.
- Planning around pilot initiatives in Early Childhood Development (ECD), in partnership with Penreach, North-West University, are addressing foundational gaps in early childhood learning.
- Collaborative conversations with partner organizations, funders, the Department of Basic Education and higher institutions such as UNISA, University of Johannesburg and North-West University continue to pave the way for systemic changes in teacher development.
- Our Lesson Observation Framework achieved an 80% pedagogical quality rating, validated by Education Alliance Finland, enhancing the credibility of FL!P.
I got a chance to identify my purpose as a powerful connector of people through the programme’s concept of “Ubuntu”. I run a feeding scheme for scholars in the local community. “No man is an island”, we depend on one another to maintain and improve societal standards and norms. – Segwate Shai, GTI graduate
Call for Donations
Any donation will be welcome on; https://www.givengain.com/campaign/fund-the-future-campaign Your donations enable us to continue the amazing work that we are involved in.
“2024 highlighted the strength of collaboration. Together with our partners, we’ve built programs that inspire and sustain lasting change in education.”
— John Gilmour, Board Chairperson
Wishing you all safe and happy holidays and all the success in 2025 and beyond,
Warm regards,
The Global Teachers Institute Team
