World Values Day 2025: Why Living Our Values Matters More Than Ever
Posted / 16 October 2025
Every year, World Values Day offers us a moment to pause and reflect on the principles guiding our lives and actions. At Columba Leadership, this reflection is at the core of what we do. Values such as awareness, focus, integrity, perseverance, service, and creativity are not abstract ideals; they are the foundation of meaningful, values-driven leadership.
From January to September 2025, we convened 35 academies, engaging 420 learners and 105 educators and principals nationwide. Working closely with the RCL, including the Vryburg Cluster, we reached 94 schools and 2,465 learners. These academies are safe, empowering spaces where young people deepen their leadership skills with a genuine understanding of living by values. The feedback is clear: these experiences transform how participants see themselves as leaders and envision their role in their communities.
As we mark World Values Day, I encourage each of us to consider the values steering our lives. Are we living these values consistently? Are we nurturing them in the next generation? The future we want, fair, inclusive, and hopeful, depends on living these values today.
Supporting Columba Leadership means sustaining a journey that empowers South African youth to lead with integrity and purpose. If you feel called to support this work, consider becoming a monthly contributor. Giving is easy and secure via our website: Columba | Youth Leadership Programme
Tracy Hackland Chief Executive Officer, Columba Leadership