When Rebecca Matabishi founded Les Oliviers School Complex in Beni, the Democratic Republic of Congo, she carried the weight of leading a nursery, primary, and secondary school alone.
She had passion and vision. However, she notes, “I was afraid. As a result, I missed opportunities for partnerships and didn’t support the teachers effectively. I lacked confidence to have those conversations.”
That changed when Rebecca joined the NYOTA Leadership Program.
A NEW WAY FORWARD
Through NYOTA, Rebecca learned management techniques. She developed tools to assess her own leadership and conduct structured and fair staff evaluations. She developed confidence to initiate conversations she had previously avoided.
The results were immediate and tangible.
Rebecca revived a partnership she had nearly abandoned. Through that renewed conversation, the school acquired a plot of land to expand student services.
The impact didn’t stop there.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
Over 40 staff members now benefit from Rebecca’s strengthened leadership. More than 400 students experience a better-managed school environment.
Rebecca tells the story of how the school manages student leader elections to illustrate how the school has benefitted from her professional growth.
Student representatives used to be leaders in name only. There was nothing that outlined their roles and responsibilities and nothing that marked their terms of service. Once elections were over, the students would continue as if nothing special had happened.
Through NYOTA I learned that leadership must be developed early. Young people need to see, feel, and experience the seriousness of responsibility.
So I organized an official installation ceremony for the newly elected student committee.
I invited parents, school authorities, and local municipal leaders to the ceremony. This underscored the educational and civic value of the event. Speeches from different stakeholders highlighted the importance of leadership service, accountability, and integrity.
The elected students were publicly presented, officially installed, and congratulated in front of the entire community. This public recognition gave real meaning to their roles and helped them understand that they were not holding symbolic positions, but were entrusted with genuine responsibilities.
The impact was immediate. I saw a visible change in the student leaders. One of them said, “This is serious. We must take our responsibilities seriously.”
When leadership is honored and structured, children can rise to the level of responsibility expected of them.
I am convinced that this approach helps shape future leaders who understand, from an early age, what it means to serve their community.
BEYOND ONE SCHOOL
Rebecca’s story is a reminder that leadership development is never just about one person. It’s about the countless conversations that the individual has, and the lives they touch because they step boldly into their calling.
This is one of the joys of NYOTA.
CAPTION FOR FEATURED IMAGE AT TOP: Rebecca Matabishi at her desk.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Adelphine Angemito
Speaking of conversations, you’re invited to a Congo Conversation on Saturday, January 17 (10-11am EST). Vivian Bwirabuli and Adelphine Angemito will be our Congolese conversation partners. This Congo Conversation is an opportunity to explore challenges and opportunities that women leaders face, regardless of where they live.
Impact Now team member Michelle Randazzo says, “The topic of Women in Leadership, and the struggles that accompany it, unite us across countries, cultures, and roles. No matter where we are in the world, we navigate similar challenges, and yet we continue to rise, lead, and lift others along the way.”
Compare leadership challenges and opportunities with Vivian and Adelphine during the Saturday conversation.
Michelle notes, “I hope that this virtual conversation becomes a space where we can learn from one another, feel inspired, and offer honest reflections.”
Remember, transformation happens in conversation.