Learn more about the impact of Fish Hoek High School’s Cirrus Programme, a leadership development initiative that nurtures and empowers young leaders.
Fish Hoek High School has had a vision of making a difference for almost seven decades. Throughout the years, the school pioneered various aspects of education, including an exceptional leadership development program. Known as Cirrus, this program was named after high-flying clouds and has been a part of Fish Hoek High School for over 30 years. Its aim has been to educate, challenge, nurture and encourage learners.
During Youth Month, the school reflected on the Cirrus Programme, which focused on developing leaders within the school community. This program fostered leadership skills through six months of experiential learning and collaboration for Grade 11 students, serving as a prerequisite for standing for the Student Representative Council (SRC) in Matric.
The students would meet weekly on Mondays, immersing themselves in various portfolios that included leadership techniques, managing school events, individual growth and driving community projects.
Two of the current Cirrus participants, Phindile Miya and Kendra Pastor recently shared some of their experiences:
PHINDILE MIYA
How has Cirrus prepared/inspired you for the future?
The programme taught me to manage time, work with others and speak confidently in public. These skills will be of great value to not only my high school career but all other ventures I take in the future.
What do you enjoy most about Cirrus?
Cirrus allows me to communicate with others and express my thoughts and feelings without judgement. It also provides a better understanding of what is meant by leadership. Every session educates and allows you to get to know people around you and share ideas freely. It teaches essential skills and techniques to look at problems differently. Problem-solving is one of the most essential skills to have as a growing individual.
Please share more about the service aspect of Cirrus.
Being part of Cirrus helps in pursuing personal independence, aspirations, beliefs and how everyone views the world. It made me realize and understand that leadership starts with leading your own life and encouraging greatness in others, it is more than just a formal position of authority.
What do you see as the biggest problem facing youth leaders today?
The main challenges are youth leaders’ lack of confidence and fear of failure. They feel like they need to know everything and are afraid to ask for help because of the idea of being seen as weak when this is far from the truth. Some youth leaders do not understand leadership and confuse it with dictatorship.
What is your advice f or the next generation of leaders for effective leadership?
The next generation should always ensure their reason for doing something is passion. Do something because you want to, not because you must. Set achievable goals and seek knowledge, always listen to others with an open mind and learn from your mistakes. Lastly, be nice to others and build community with peers.
KENDRA PASTOR
Why did you join Cirrus?
I joined the Cirrus programme to learn new skills to help me after high school. It is an opportunity to grow, experience new things and work on teamwork and leadership skills.
How has Cirrus inspired you and what do you enjoy most?
Cirrus has prepared me for the future by encouraging me to work on teamwork, communication and listening skills. I enjoy Cirrus’s activities and class discussions, listening to everyone’s opinions and exchanging ideas. I appreciate the fact that we engage in fun activities whilst also having more serious conversations and learning from one another.
Please share more about the service aspect of Cirrus.
Cirrus encourages participants to do a particular amount of monthly service hours. It is about giving back and helping. The Cirrus programme has taught me that people have their skills when it comes to being a leader and when you put a group of leaders together, their talents complement one another to achieve the desired goal.