The DaVinci Institute celebrates its 20th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in the domain of higher education. Sustaining an independent institution for over two decades without government funding has been challenging work. Prof Neil Viljoen, the strategic advisor to DaVinci and one of the long standing members of the institute, currently serves on the FAIR committee. He extends a heartfelt message of support to both the institute and its lively community.
Prof Viljoen said it has been his privilege to be associated with The DaVinci Institute for more than a decade.
“It has been a journey that I regard as one of the most gratifying and meaningful of my career,” he stated.
20 Years Journey of Remarkability
Giving a picture of DaVinci’s journey, he said, during the 20 years of its existence, the institute has developed from a small, unknown entity that, in the South African context, has a novice approach and is learning to be a significant role player that is internationally recognised.
Over the years, DaVinci has expanded in scope and depth, all while remaining true to its unique identity.
“The fact that DaVinci could achieve this without any funding or assistance from the government speaks volumes for the quality of its offerings and the foresight, skill and determination of the leadership and colleagues involved,” stated Prof Viljoen.
Challenges In 20 Years
Prof Viljoen said that during its existence, DaVinci had to deal with some serious challenges. Some of the more difficult challenges were educating the public to a better understanding of the process of learning, a hostile government, a tertiary environment and the COVID-19 epidemic.
All these challenges were successfully dealt with, never wavering from its founding principles.
Agent Of Change
Today, DaVinci is rightfully acknowledged as a respected change agent in the tertiary sector and their learning principles have found widespread application in other institutions of higher learning.
The challenge for the DaVinci Institute will always be to remain faithful to its ethos, guiding each student on a unique path of discovery, learning, and insight, rather than simply teaching.
”My very best wishes accompany DaVinci. I know you will continue to change students’ lives,” he stated.
Embracing Challenges
Despite all the challenges faced during the last two decades, the institute will remain an agent of change to the industries and our society at large. There have been a lot of achievements the institute has achieved over the years. We are embarking on a renewed journey of co-creation with the next generations of innovators.
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