Innovative Education Solutions with Banele Lukhele

Banele Lukhele develops and implements creative education solutions and is the founder of Luc Arts Original. We chatted to her about being an entrepreneur and discovered what motivates her.

Hello Banele, tell us why you do what you do?

I want students to have a better learning environment than I had. Where students feel like they are championing their own learning and they feel like they are learning in a way that is well suited to them and their aspirations.

What do you love about being an entrepreneur?

I love being the leader of my own vision and seeing the change that I am making.

What’s your biggest work challenge?

It’s challenging having to do all aspects of business while still trying to be out in the field.

Please share your favourite quote with us.

“The kind of teacher you will become is directly related to the kind of teachers you associate with.”

“The longer teachers teach, the better they are at their practice. That practice may serve to empower students or it may break the students’ spirit. That decision belongs to the teacher.”

Who are the writers which inspire you?

Firstly, Dr. Christopher Emdin, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology at Teachers College, Columbia University. He wrote: “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood… and the Rest of Y’all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education”. One of the things he says is:  “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”

I am also inspired by Sir Kenneth Robinson, a British author, speaker and international advisor on education in the arts to government, non-profits, education and arts bodies. He wrote: “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything “ and one of the best quotes from this is, “Creativity is as important as literacy.”

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I see myself managing a team of at least 4 facilitators in the Gauteng area and looking to expand to other parts of the country.

What’s your greatest hope for South Africa?

My hope is that South Africa will begin to see that we can lead change and no longer need to adopt things from others. I hope we get to a point where we are champions of our own lives and futures.

Follow Banele’s journey on Instagram at @lukartsoriginal