Enabling Tomorrow's Leaders: The Transformative Power of Immersive Educational Experience

A week ago, I accompanied my second-year class to a Social Impact Symposium organised and hosted by the Division for Social Impact at Stellenbosch University. I write not to report about the Symposium but rather about how enabling spaces for student engagement broadens their worldview, enhances their sense of belonging within these professional environments and hopefully inspires them beyond.

From this visit, I became curious about:

1. What would be the impact of exposing second-year students, whose module focuses on Regenerative Leadership and facilitation?
2. How would they engage with stakeholders, particularly seasoned academics and leaders from the NGO sector?
3. What happens when we take the lecture out of its familiar setting and immerse students in a real-world scenario?
4. Would hearing community stories inspire their drive to become changemakers in the world?

What I did realise was that such events bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, allowing students to step outside the traditional classroom environment. This was evident from their interactions with participants and asking insightful questions to the speakers.

?What are the benefits of academic engagement?

• Real-world application: The Symposium provided our students with a safe platform to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom. By engaging with speakers and stakeholders and drawing on their feedback, they began to understand how theoretical concepts translate into practice.
• Building confidence: University is a time of self-discovery for many students. Cultural factors often shape how they engage with figures of authority, and in settings like these, they may feel intimidated when addressing their seniors. However, being part of this environment helps build their confidence as they present ideas and engage in discussions with experts. This exposure is crucial for boosting self-esteem, which is essential for academic success and career readiness.
• Networking opportunities: Some may wonder how second-year students could network with seasoned professionals. During the tea break, one of my students showed me a business card given to him by a professor from another institution. She invited him to a meeting to discuss his engagement and possibly virtually connect with her students. Events like these provide students with opportunities to network with professionals and peers, which could lead to mentorship, internships, and collaborations that enhance both their education and career prospects.
• Skills development: Symposiums and other academic events cultivate essential skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership. Standing up and asking a question requires courage, and such experiences help students learn to articulate their thoughts. They are reminded that no question is too insignificant or silly to ask.
• Creating inclusive spaces: As academics and leaders, we are responsible for creating inclusive environments where students feel they have a seat at the table. Some students may initially be shy or uncertain about engaging in such spaces. By fostering a welcoming atmosphere and actively encouraging participation, we can help students overcome these barriers.

During our debriefing session post-symposium, one student remarked, “I can call my granny and tell her that I now know why my chosen field is important”. Another remarked, "I did not realise that these events allow you to learn what is taught in a lecture".

Our call to action as lecturers and leaders is to take an active role in facilitating these learning experiences for students. We need to make theory come alive where students have space to engage and display their work with their peers and experts or thought leaders.

In so doing, we contribute to nurturing the next generation of leaders in South Africa and across Africa. Let us work together to ensure that every student can learn, grow, and make a difference in their communities.

?PS. To observe our students in action, you are invited to attend the ‘Future Now Summit” on 25 October 2025 from 9:30 am at the Sustainability Institute. (The image below has a QR code to register.) This Summit is curated by them and supported by my colleagues: Sharon Moatshe and Ruenda Loots.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/events/thefuturenowsummit7231277264808673280/