A 20 acre piece of land that once housed a printing plant has been converted into a world-class academic facility where the first students of the African Leadership Academy will be groomed to lead the continent.

Quad Building on the ALA campus Founded by Ghanaian educationalist and entrepreneur Fred Swaniker, the African Leadership Academy (ALA) is based on the belief that ethical leadership is the key to transforming the continent.

Earlier this month, 106 children from 29 African countries were accepted into the school, from a pool of 1 700 applications.

Students were selected according to ALA's five selection criteria: academic achievement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, passion for Africa, and commitment to service.

The students will live on the school's Honeydew campus in the northwest of Johannesburg.

"Johannesburg was chosen as the location for the school because ALA will be a world-class facility and we needed infrastructure that could support this.

We also hope to have many guest speakers addressing the students and Johannesburg is a hub of economic and political leaders," says Director of Operations Anabel Argyle.

ALA students will undergo a two year internationally recognised A-level programme with a special focus on leadership development, entrepreneurial training and understanding African issues.

The school's curriculum has been developed in consultation with academics from institutions in the US such as Harvard, Princeton and Stanford as well as the University of Cape Town.

Following their completion of the programme, students will be assisted with gaining entry into top universities around the world, including Harvard and Princeton.

Speaking to Forbes Magazine, 31 year old Swaniker said he had the idea for the school when he was working on a micro financing project in 2003.

"I met families who were spending US$50,000 to send their kids to top schools in the UK, and wondered, 'Why are we paying so much to send our kids to study overseas?'"

Swaniker then spent the following years sourcing partners, teachers, curriculum developers and donors, that could help turn his dream of a remarkable African leadership school into a reality.

Eighty percent of the school's first students will not pay the US$20 000 (R152 914) fee of an ALA education, while the other 20% will receive a subsidy.

According to Forbes Magazine. Swaniker isn't giving away any scholarships but rather "forgivable loans."

When students turn 25, ALA will get in touch. If they're working in Africa, and plan to for at least 10 years, their debt to the school is waived.

But if they're working anywhere but Africa, they'll owe full tuition, plus accrued interest.

"We want their talents back in Africa," Swaniker told the magazine.

For more information on the African Leadership Academy visit the school's website.

- Source SA GoodNews