About Us

It is trite that society is still patriarchal as such it is incumbent on us to find new ways to narrow the disparity between females and their male counterparts. The increased statistics of violent crime against women and children similarly speak to the necessity of taking positive steps to equip the female demographic through education and skills development for an educated female population is an empowered one.

Having recognised the chasm that persists in our communities the Kannigan Leadership Institute (“KLI”) was established in October 2018 with a view to balancing the proverbial playing field. With its primary focus being the advancement of education for young previously disadvantaged females, KLI in collaboration with corporate South Africa strive toward securing bursaries and financial aid for deserving students who possess the potential but lack the resources.

Given the overwhelming needs that exist students are vetted through a selection process that include consideration of academic records; sporting achievements as well as aptitude in arts and culture. This process also stimulates a heathy level of competitiveness amongst potential candidates. By making these opportunities available KLI hope to encourage our female youth to reach for the stars and to realise their fullest potential.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future” – Proverbs 31:25

The Team

NALINI KANNIGAN: Founder and Director

Having majored in psychological counselling, Nalini Kannigan holds a BA degree in psychology from the University of South Africa “Unisa”. Her passion for working with youth and early childhood development sparked her interest in working with troubled youth and she has since amassed experience in working with victims of domestic violence; child abuse; as well as student counselling. Nalini has worked with various organizations and non-profit entities including the Victim Empowerment Centre that was established by the South African Police Services (Lenasia Precinct) counselling victims of violent crime and aiding their road to recovery. Her experience includes working with rape victims; convicted criminals and law enforcement agencies. Other organizations include NISAA – institute for women’s development; Unisa as well as array of faith-based organizations.

KIMMONA KANNIGAN: Director

Kim holds an LLB degree. With her keen interest in human rights, the South African statistics surrounding spousal abuse and rape ignited her passion to make a difference through women empowerment. She works in conjunction with various trusts and organizations that strive toward implementing change at a grass roots level. Kim has worked with the Thesele Foundation as well the Lanham Love Education Trust all of which are geared toward redefining the existing narrative.

TERONA KANNIGAN: Director

Terona holds a qualification in financial management from UNISA. Her commitment to youth development has been unwavering in her efforts to provide positive outlets to troubled youth through exercise and dance. With the firm belief that a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand Terona also worked with women’s shelters and children’s homes in the south of Johannesburg. Terona is currently a member of the 2IC EO Forem which is a platform provided to young, up and coming entrepreneurs that provides them with the skill set to aid their personal and professional growth.

Projects

COVID 19 FOOD DISTRIBUTION

During these challenging times of great uncertainty the Kannigan Leadership Institute has once again mobilized to make available to those in need food hampers and maize meal. The foundation has in total distributed 800 food hampers and 12.5kg bags of maize across Lenasia South.
Members of the informal communities, Church groups and various residents were identified in our food drive to bring some relief to those in dire need. KLI would like to extend our heart felt appreciation to our Sponsors (Afmetco EducationTrust), Supplier (Daxina Supermarket), GPLA for the generous use of their school and all those volunteers and care givers for rallying assistance during these desperate times.
Whilst we are optimistic that the tide will turn and that the pandemic will subside we have undertaken to continue with this humanitarian drive as we strive to make a difference and to bridge the gaps identified within our community.
The Kannigan Leadership Institute.

KLI PARTNERS WITH TLC

After many joyous visits to TLC, whether to cuddle and babysit or to drop of much needed supplies for the cutest little humans, The Kannigan Leadership Institute has been moved to forge a working relationship with TLC - The Love Of Christ Ministry to ensure the sterling work of the TLC Team continues uninterrupted.

It is an absolute marvel to watch the TLC team rally around these beautiful babies - feeding, bathing, loving and caring for these little gems around the clock. Every child is well tended. Indeed there is evidence of total commitment and human Investment from the TLC team to ensure the children thrive in a happy, healthy and conducive environment.

After many tireless sessions of fun in the sun the KLI team was hooked. The babies stole our hearts with their dimpled smiles and drooling gurgles from day one.

In an effort to ensure that TLC remain financially equipped to continue their good work The Kannigan Leadership Institute has managed to secure funding sponsored by the Thesele Group which covers educare for every pre-school child until February 2021. The generous support of companies like Thesele is a shining beacon of hope during the covid 19 pandemic and will definitely alleviate some of the pressure on NPC organisations such as TLC.

Apart from funding, the team at KLI also continue volunteering their time at the home in order to assist with the roster and to lend some additional support on the ground.

Kannigan Leadership Institute
Keeping Learners Inspired

SIERRA NEVADA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Based in the South of Johannesburg, Sierra Nevada is a primary school that has made strides in terms of service delivery and upskilling their students through technology. Being a public school with a limited budget the school’s track record speaks for itself. Notwithstanding the school’s achievements, the student population hails from a lower socio-economic bracket. During the interviews conducted by KLI it was apparent that some of the students possess extraordinary potential. KLI in association with the Lanham-Love Education trust are proud to announce that fifty female grade six candidates were selected based on academic performance and were all awarded full bursaries for the 2019 academic year.

ALPHA PRIMARY SCHOOL:

Under the watchful eye of Principle Hasina Mohammed, Alpha Primary has grown from strength to strength. Also located in the South of Johannesburg, this public school has an ethos and culture similar to private schools. The school demographic consists of students from previously disadvantaged communities. Despite budget constraints, principle Mohammed has worked tirelessly to ensure that her students are afforded every conceivable opportunity. This was abundantly apparent during the meet and greet with the fifteen female learners. KLI in association with the Lanham Love Education Trust proudly confirm that all fifteen students were successful in their application and have obtained full bursaries for the 2019 academic year.

PROGRESS PRIMARY:

Located in the South of Johannesburg, Progress Primary is aptly named. The public school has been on an upward trajectory since its inception and produces some of the brightest; well rounded students in the area. Focusing on academics; technology and sport, Progress Primary under the leadership of Principle Myan Naidoo has truly set the pace in terms of service offerings from primary schools in the public sector. Budget cuts; limited resources and financial constraints have not deterred the school from striving to produce well rounded students. Both students and facilitators were equally impressive during the KLI interview process resulting in a unanimous yes to twenty-five female students who have all obtained full bursaries for the 2019 academic year. KLI in proud association with Calgro M3 Education Trust who made the bursaries available also take the opportunity to congratulate Progress Primary on the launch of their state of the art tech centre.

Keeping Learners Inspired