Global Leadership Academy (GLA) in Jeffreys Bay is redefining educational boundaries, with two groundbreaking international expeditions that have seen 31 learners and staff depart for transformative journeys across the United States and South America.
Vision Tour USA 2025
With trolley bags in tow and hearts full of anticipation, 13 learners from the Global Leadership Academy (GLA) in Jeffreys Bay departed on June 20 for an unforgettable journey: Vision Tour USA 2025.
The tour forms part of GLA’s ongoing mission to make disciples and shape leaders, not only through academics but also by giving learners real-world exposure to innovation, entrepreneurship, and faith-driven leadership.
Over two weeks, the team will travel through major US cities including New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C., covering over 30 000 km and engaging directly with senior leaders at global companies such as New Balance, Sodexo, Washington Gas, Celonis, Carrols, and Cordial.
The journey, however, began long before departure.
To help fund their travel, each learner took on individual entrepreneurship challenges — launching micro-businesses, providing services in their communities, and developing marketing campaigns.
These weren’t just fundraisers; they were real-world learning experiences that demanded initiative, resilience, and creativity.
In addition, learners were given business and branding tasks before the tour, which they will present to executives for professional input and critique.
These presentations will allow learners to test their ideas, receive mentorship, and sharpen their thinking, making this not just a tour but a live classroom shaped by global leaders.
Paul du Plessis, one of the tour leaders, said, “This isn’t just a sightseeing tour, it’s a growth experience — designed to challenge their thinking, strengthen their faith, and widen their vision for what’s possible.”
GLA hopes the trip will inspire these future leaders to return with bold ideas and Kingdom values, ready to impact their communities through business, innovation, and servant leadership.
With a strong focus on entrepreneurship, the school envisions learners launching ventures that will uplift the Kouga region and bring lasting change.
This pioneering opportunity has been made possible through the support of RetailROI and its network.
Special thanks from the school go to Greg Buzek, Dan Grady, and Gary McQuillan, whose commitment and open doors made this vision a reality.
Led by Du Plessis, Thomas Schulz, and former Head Girl, Asitha Latile, the team will spend each day reflecting, learning, and growing through interactive workshops, executive insights, and cultural immersion until their return to Jeffreys Bay on July 8.
This is more than a trip — it’s a launchpad.
TravelSCHOOL 2025
Meanwhile, on June 26, GLA’s 2025 TravelSCHOOL team officially departed on a six-week international journey to South America.
Led by teacher Jacomien Hauman, the group of 18 Grade 10 learners and six staff members will travel through Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay — an experience designed to challenge, equip, and grow the next generation of leaders.
Similar to the Vision Tour USA, the TravelSCHOOL initiative, a flagship programme of GLA, also forms part of the school’s broader mission to Make Disciples and Shape Leaders.
The programme offers learners an immersive, cross-cultural experience that combines academics, travel, and hands-on service.
During the trip, the team will visit three mission bases where learners will serve the poor through practical projects, support local missionaries, and engage in community outreach.
From assisting in orphanages to tackling physical labour and learning to navigate unfamiliar transport systems, learners will be stretched mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
With academics continuing en route— whether in airports, on buses, or at mission sites — TravelSCHOOL also ensures that learners stay up to date with their schoolwork while gaining invaluable life experience.
TravelSCHOOL is more than a trip; it’s a living classroom. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural exposure, participants develop real-world skills and return with a deeper understanding of faith, service, and purpose.
As in previous years, the programme aims to foster innovation, self-discipline, and a heart to serve.
The group will return to South Africa on August 2.
GLA sends them off with pride and prayer, eagerly awaiting the return of young leaders ready to shape the future with purpose and faith.
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