Sir Richard Branson meets pupils of Lavender Hill

He described Branson as an inspirational maverick and said his chosen path of capitalism with a conscience and social entrepreneurism was the reason he is such a good role model for the learners.

Branson visited the school to meet pupils, visit the gym equipped by Virgin Active and sign the inspirational Future Crew mural on the school wall. In true Branson style, he joined the learners in doing a couple of bench presses, much to their delight. He also met the soccer and softball teams and signed a ball and softball bat. Branson was serenaded into the school hall by a group of learners singing to him and the school's dance group, 'Raise the Roof,' led by Fred Damon, showed their very energetic and beautifully choreographed routine. Branson said he was amazed at the atmosphere at the school which he understood to be in a really difficult area and told them how lucky they were to have such an excellent school, dedicated and proactive headmaster and wonderful teachers.

Branson also encouraged the learners to have a dream... He described his humble start, selling records outside concerts and starting his own newspapers at the age of 17, he said by setting small targets and achieving them and then making the target bigger. He said you can do anything if you believe in yourself. "Next year my lifelong dream of owning a spaceship company will come true. Anything is possible," he said.

Provoking positive change

Since the age of 16, Sir Richard Branson has created entrepreneurial ways to provoke positive change in the world which is why the Future Crew project is close to his heart. The project, targeting challenged communities, is spearheaded by Virgin Active South Africa (VASA) and supported by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). It aims at empowering learners through exercise and life skills training - educating through activeness. Ashwin Willemse, an ambassador for Future Crew, told the learners they should be inspired by Branson and that Virgin Active was not just about health clubs and branded gear, but transforming communities and creating opportunities for people. His final words to the learners were: nothing is impossible.

The project is not only about installing gym equipment, but is a comprehensive programme of educating teachers and coaches, engaging the youth to become more active and employable and create future employment where the need is the greatest. Apart from a pilot project at Lavender Hill, which started in July last year, Hawston Secondary School and Bishop Lavis Secondary School have since joined the Future Crew family. They have been identified as high need schools in communities where gangsterism, violence and drug abuse are rife.

No stranger to a challenge

It's a tough environment and one where the most positive change can be made. But Branson is no stranger to taking on a challenge, whether it's personal or social entrepreneurship. In 2004 he established the non-profit foundation Virgin Unite to tackle tough social and environmental problems and strives to make business a force for good. One of the many reasons he was knighted for his service to entrepreneurship.

A project is only as successful as the sustainable support it gets. To this end the Western Cape Government's flagship initiative, Mass Participation Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth (MOD) programme active in 181 schools across the Western Cape has worked hand-in-hand with Virgin in setting up the Future Crew project. The MOD programme recently won the award for the best project at the Extended Public Works Komoso Awards (Social Sector) Part of the success is as a result of the public/private partnership aimed at mobilising levels of fitness and improved lifestyle of learners. All of this underpinned by the leadership of the school principals.

As a result of their positive and proactive role in improving their schools, the school principals will form part of an 'Elders' group of excellent leaders in education: Faseeg Manie, Lavender Hill Secondary Senior School, Idy Adams, Hawston Secondary School and Kevin Sonn, Bishop Lavis Secondary School, as well as Ernest Moore at Sullivan Primary (our Symphonia Partner of Possibility school).

Making a difference and measuring success

Ross Faragher-Thomas, MD of VASA says we really wanted Richard Branson to see feel and experience a project of which he is very proud. The company spent two years of research, planning and training in order to focus on the best model to invest in the future of our country - the youth. He says, "The results have exceeded all expectations. We envisaged these gyms and mentorships as catalysts for change and a chance to closely link health clubs with schools, sharing skills about fitness and nutrition."

• The project has reached an average of 3000 youth and 90 teachers.
  
• Outside of the three Future Crew schools, another 39 schools have also benefited from equipment donations.
  
• The programme has had an immediate and positive effect on learners. At Lavender Hill High School, a fitter and healthier rugby team are on a winning streak.
  
• Two pupils have been awarded their provincial colours in body building and a lead dancer of the high-energy dance group, part of the MOD centre programmes, was also awarded provincial colours in netball.
  There has been an increased sense of purpose and school spirit, a rise in academic results, as well as physical performance.
  
• Once considered an unattractive option for learners, Lavender Hill High School now has a waiting list of learners eager to join a winning 'team'. Virgin Active's partners have also singled out some Future Crew "graduates" for employment in health-related industries.
  
• Lavender Hill produced a star cast of dancers and their slick choreography inspired the students of Bishop Lavis High to form their own group
  
• Activeness has also spilled over into the community as they are also utilising the school gym facility after hours.

Faseeg Manie, the principal of Lavender High School, made a decision to be the instrument of change in the school and community after a visit by Mark Shuttleworth, He is a man of his word and he has taken giant leaps in improving and transforming the school and creating opportunities for learners at Lavender Hill Senior.

He sums up the success of the gym: "The kids love it. It is a wonderful facility and the learners are clambering to use it. We have had to introduce a roster basis and also utilise the gym during the PT component of our Life Orientation lessons. Every time I think of the gym it puts a smile on my face... we can't wait for Sir Richard Branson to see it."