Jackie Gallagher Retires as General Manager of Sparrow School Educational Trust and Announces Successor
After 35 years of dedicated service, Jackie Gallagher has announced her retirement and stepped down as the General Manager of Sparrow School Educational Trust, effective 31 August 2024.
Gallagher founded the organisation as a Saturday school with just four learners. Under her leadership, it grew into a successful educational institution in South Africa, providing quality specialised education to tens of thousands of students through its Foundation School, Combined Technical Skills School, and FET College which offers fully funded education to disadvantaged youth.
“Leading this remarkable organisation has been an amazing journey, filled with countless memories, challenges, and triumphs. It has been more than just work for me—its been my life’s passion. I am grateful for every moment spent building something that has made a positive impact in the world,” said Gallagher. Gallagher also announced that the Board of Trustees has appointed Melanie Malema to succeed her as General Manager, effective 01 September 2024, as part of a planned leadership succession. “As I step back, I do so with full confidence that the organisation is in capable hands, ready to keep growing and evolving. My departure is not an end, but the start of a new chapter for all of us – one that I know will be filled with continued success and impact," Gallagher added, urging all stakeholders to continue supporting the Educational Trust’s great work.
Malema has held several roles within the organisation, including Operations Manager at the FET College, Sales and Marketing Manager, and HR Manager. She first joined Sparrow Schools Educational Trust in 2001 and returned in 2008 after a brief hiatus to help establish the FET College. From 01 June 2024, she served as Acting General Manager while Gallagher was on a three-month sabbatical.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to lead this great organisation. I want to acknowledge Jackie for her incredible leadership, mentorship, and dedication to building an outstanding organisation rooted in excellence, innovation and collaboration,” said Malema.
She added, “As I step into this role, I assure you of my commitment to serving this organisation with integrity and dedication. My leadership will be based on transparency, fairness, and mutual respect. I will work tirelessly to ensure we achieve our collective goals.”
The Chairperson of Sparrow Schools Educational Trust’s Board of Trustees, Kholiwe
Makhohliso, thanked Gallagher for her exceptional leadership and passion for educating children with learning barriers as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Sparrow Schools Educational Trust, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Jackie for her exceptional leadership. Under her guidance, The Foundation School, Sparrow Combined Technical Skills School, and Sparrow FET College have become leading institutions and vital community pillars. We are deeply thankful for Jackie’s vision and the passion she has instilled in
her team of educators. Over the past 35 years, her efforts have positively impacted thousands of learners, providing them with quality education and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy.
“I am also confident that the organisation is in excellent hands with Melanie, who has supported Jackie in steering the Sparrow Schools Educational Trust to new heights. Her strategic vision will be crucial in leading the organisation with innovative leadership and engaging effectively with staff and all stakeholders – from government; the business community; civil society; foundations, and individual
philanthropists – who support and enable us to continue impacting young lives positively,” concluded Makhohliso.