Richard Branson's Scholars - interview
- May 18, 2010
Sir Richard Branson's old school Stowe is running a scheme where Branson Scholars from South Africa take part in a year-long exchange programme. Virgin Unite, the Virgin Group’s non-profit foundation, arranged for the five 15-year-olds who make up this year's intake to meet Sir Richard at the recent Fast Track 100 event, even singing to the assembled guests. Virgin.com spoke to the students, as well as Stowe School headmaster Dr Anthony Wallersteiner and Colin Dudgeon, to find out more about the scheme.
The Branson Scholars scheme is funded by British entrepreneur Mike Parsons, founder of the Barchester Group, who is a long-time supporter of Virgin Unite and the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Greg Rose: Tell me how the idea for the scheme came about.
Dr Antony Wallersteiner: I'm the headmaster of Stowe. About four or five years ago we had an interesting conversation with one of our parents called Mike Parsons. He has known Richard and supported the Branson School of Entrepreneurship in Johannesburg for many years and it was his idea for us to link up with Richard to try to extend the educational profile. We contacted the School of Entrepreneurship and asked them to recommend a sister school for Stowe. They came up with the Dominican Convent School. I flew out there in 2008 to Jo'burg to meet the headmaster, Mike Teale, and meet some of the students. I went into quite a few lessons and the scheme was born.
Greg Rose: How do you choose who gets to be on the exchange programme?
Dr Antony Wallersteiner: I interviewed about 35 prospective applicants who wanted to come to England as Branson Scholars for a year. It was a really hard decision but we selected five. They had written essays about why they wanted to be ambassadors for South Africa and England. Last year was the first time they came over and spent the year with us. They all met Richard Branson twice, once at his home and once when Richard came to Stowe.
Greg Rose: So how does it all work?
Dr Antony Wallersteiner: We are now in the second year and it has doubled in popularity. There were 69 applicants – I reckon next year we will have 120 applicants, it could double again. The idea is that they live in England, experience what life is like at Stowe, become Stoics for a year and tell us what life is like at the Dominican Convent School. The idea is that we are trying to build up the partnership. We have got an exchange programme with some of our staff lined up, so we are looking at ways of strengthening this really exciting scheme. One of the things we are trying to inculcate is that 'once you are a Branson Scholar, always a Branson scholar'. So they have got a duty now when they go back to really develop their potential to the utmost. We'll see whether they become the entrepreneurs of the future. We really want them to become success stories so we can be proud of them. So that's the germ of the idea.
Greg Rose: A few questions for the Branson Scholars now. What is the biggest thing you have learnt so far?
Andiswa Nyathi: Wow, I guess it would be learning from other students and interacting with students from all over the world. Stowe hosts quite a lot of students internationally and we meet the greatest of people. It is awesome.
Greg Rose: What has set you guys apart and got your into the scheme?
Kabelo Phalatse: Just luck really, haha. Everyone who applied would deserve this great opportunity and anyone who came here would be good ambassadors, as I think we have been. We are just very lucky to get this far and get this chance.
Greg Rose: What was it like meeting Sir Richard Branson?
Genesis Manney: I think he is really cool. I feel he is down to earth and we are able to speak to him. We can interact on a different level with him. He is not exactly how we expected before we met him, but he is really cool.
Greg Rose: What is the hardest thing about being in this scheme?
Tsakane Sambo: In our country we are so used to the same people all the time. When we moved over I didn’t know what to expect. Everybody is different and I didn’t know how people would react to what I do and the kind of person I am, and the culture that I have brought from South Africa. So, yes, it has been interesting finding out about other people's cultures and how they react to mine.
Greg Rose: Are you looking forward to the World Cup and are you disappointed that you won't be in South Africa when it is on?
Oageng Mokhele: Oh, yeah, because there are so many great players that I wanted to see. But this is also good. I have got to see football matches in the Premier League, it has been great. I hope the World Cup is good and I hope South Africa do well in the World Cup. Unfortunately that isn't likely. It is a good thing though, a good thing for South Africa.
Greg Rose: Have any of you already got your big idea as entrepreneurs?
Andiswa and Kabelo: We are thinking of collaborating and coming up with our own business venture. We haven't decided on the area yet. We are bringing our ideas together and trying to make it one success story.
Greg Rose: Where do you see the scheme in five years time?
Dr Antony Wallersteiner: I would like to see it growing further. I'd like to see 10, 15 students every year. I'd like to see more contact with the older students and make relationships for longer than one year. It will be really interesting to see in five years time what the first students are up to. This isn't a fixed programme, it is organic and can change. I think expanding the numbers would be good, providing an after-care service where they can come back and visit. It would be fantastic if they could get work experience in Virgin Group companies. It is a case of where can we go with this? This is stage two now and I reckon there are about six or seven stages where we can take this.
Mike Parsons (centre) with Branson Scholars (left to right) Mahotso Maiko, Matshidiso Nhlapo, Karabo Caletlole, Vusumzi Nyhila and Khamuka Moloi
Greg Rose: The students have learnt a lot from you, but what have you learnt from them?
Colin Dudgeon: I think one of the things that makes this scheme so inspiring is the vision Mike Parsons originally had. He has funded the project from the start and he believes that South Africa and South Africans need to help themselves out of poverty. So rather than just sending cash, sending aid or whatever, this is about providing opportunities for South Africans to come across to our country to learn from society over here. My goodness we are learning in turn from the Branson Scholars who have come over. Then they can take that learning and take that perspective back to South Africa for the benefit of that society. One of the things that really encouraged me was learning that one of the Branson Scholars from last year had gone back to South Africa and got himself from work experience, which is something I understand he would never have done before then. So that's the value of this, the vision of this scheme. Yes, we benefit enormously from having the Branson Scholars at amongst us at Stowe, but it is what they can give back to their society in South Africa that makes this scheme so important.
Dr Antony Wallersteiner: It breaks down barriers, it breaks down prejudices. It opens everyone's eyes to the fact that there is a world of massive potential and equality; no matter where you come from, whether it's Jo'burg or London, Stowe or the Dominican Convent, children are children. If they are willing to grasp the opportunities that are given to them then they really can make a difference. We are trying to facilitate change. Dominican is a great school, so we are working with a strong partner. It is a way of expanding horizons. It is a way of giving these children an opportunity to discover a new culture, meet new people. The hope is that they come back with a huge number of contacts which they can exploit for the rest of their lives. They will remain in touch with us and with all the friends they have made. They will be of huge use, as friends but also as business partners in the future. I think that is what it is about, creating trust and opportunities which will take some time to mature. This is not going to be an overnight result. Come back in ten years time and interview these guys – I guarantee they will be successful.
Greg Rose: They will be flying in their own helicopters. We'll be the guests!
Virgin Unite backs the Branson Scholars scheme, arranging flights for the students from South Africa and supporting the Fast Track event. Find out more about Virgin Unite at their website.
Greg Rose
