Columba Leadership has existed since 2009 and offers a values-based leadership programme for Grade 10 learners, principals and educators and a model which schools can use to embed values and youth engagement. it is through the effective engagement and connection with values that Columba aims to enhance youth outcomes.

Columba currently operates in 6 provinces and works specifically with high schools in economically disadvantaged communities.

Columba has a staff of 63 with a central office in Johannesburg as well as branches in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State and Kwazulu Natal. Operating since 2009, the organisation has offered its values based leadership programme to more than 200 schools and over 9000 people (mostly Grade 10 learners but also principals and educators). The ethos of the organisation is that young people have inner greatness and task is to elicit this greatness. The experiential approach adopted at our 6 day residential academy focuses on 6 leadership values: Awareness, Focus, Creativity, Integrity, Perseverance and Service. After graduation from either this or an abridged one day academy at the school, teams of adults and youth work systematically to create a uniting vision, organise themselves into teams and structures and address the issues that weaken the school and impact negatively on youth outcomes through projects. The Columba approach aims to build the capacity to entrench this values based model into the school culture for sustainability.

Columba has recently established an alumni mobilisation team to help bridge those who have left school to livelihoods opportunities as well as opportunities to serve in schools and communities as an activated and values driven network of young people.

The organisation works in partnership with the Department of Education, identifying suitable schools, inviting them to apply and then staying in partnership with the school for a few years to build capacity. Our independent Board is chaired by Jason van der Poel, a partner at Webber Wentzel. The organisation has been audited since inception by one of the main accounting firms; the audit this year will be done by PWC.

Columba is funded through CSI contributions from South African companies as well as local and international foundations. Columba also receives funding from National Treasury through the Jobs Fund.

Columba is a Level 1 BEE contributor.