Ramneek Ahluwalia: The Man Transforming the Future of South Africa's Youth
Transforming Future Generations with Life and Soft Skills: The Empowerment Push by Dr. Ramneek Ahluwalia, CEO of Higher Health
Meet Dr. Ramneek Ahluwalia, the relentless trailblazer at the helm of Higher Health, a nation-scale initiative under South Africa's Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). His vision? To empower the country's youth by bestowing them with indispensable Skills for Life and Soft Skills that will catapult them into personal and professional success one homework assignment at a time.
This pathfinding initiative, already serving over 2.5 million students across universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges, offers lifesaving health, wellness, and psychosocial services. Under the umbrella of Higher Health, the Skills for Life and Soft Skills program, certified at NQF Level 5 through Qualifications Certificate Trades Occupation (QCTO), arm students with an arsenal of essential workplace competencies, including empathy, teamwork, and time management.
"I was inspired by the resilience of the people in South Africa," Dr. Ahluwalia shares, adding, "My focus is on building a healthcare infrastructure that not only treats but also educates and empowers students and youth of South Africa."
His unrelenting pursuit doesn't stop there. Dr. Ahluwalia is tackling the pressing challenge of gender-based violence (GBV) head-on, leading the charge with transformative initiatives like the "Transforming MEN'talities" project. He also spearheads student mental health support on campuses and harnesses the power of UN partnerships to outfit students with fundamental skills crucial to surviving and thriving in the face of life's challenges.
Empowering students around the world with these essential skills, Dr. Ahluwalia and Higher Health ensure that young people have the resources to develop, breakthrough barriers, and create a sustainable future.
A Journey of Purpose
So, where did it all begin?
"My journey in healthcare began in India and expanded globally with my work in countries like Germany and Mauritius. South Africa, however, presented a unique challenge and opportunity due to the magnitude of health and social issues here," Dr. Ahluwalia recalls. "I was drawn to the resilience of the South African people, and my aim was to transform health systems to be more equitable and effective."
Empowering Youth Globally
Driven by the conviction that every young person deserves a fair shot, Higher Health's mission is providing quality health, well-being, and psychosocial services that prepare students with the digital literacy and soft skills they need to stay ahead in the game.
"Skills for Life and Soft Skills are the foundation of our future," Dr. Ahluwalia asserts. "Today's workforce needs not only hard skills but adaptable, well-rounded individuals who can embrace change and thrive. Soft skills like empathy, critical thinking, and resilience are paramount in equipping students to fulfill this role."
Structure of the Skills Qualification
Level up your life with Higher Health's Skills for Life and Soft Skills online qualification. Divided into eight game-changing modules, this qualification will help you conquer Civic Education, Gender Education, Mental Health, Disability, Sexuality Education, Substance Abuse and Resilience, Climate Change, and Financial Literacy. Successful completion of each module leads to a coveted Certificate, sure to turn heads on your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Key Milestones & Transformative Experiences
During his two decades of service, Dr. Ahluwalia has achieved numerous notable milestones to further his mission. He wrote the inaugural chapter for the BRICS academic forum under former President Zuma and boasts close relationships with esteemed United Nations (UN) agencies like World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO. He has spoken at global forums such as the Global Citizen Forum and the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Advice for Emerging Leaders
As an established industry leader, Dr. Ahluwalia offers these pearls of wisdom to those aspiring to make their mark: "Embrace humility, practice patience, and be a lifelong learner. Your role as a leader is to empower and uplift those around you."
Looking Ahead
With an eye on the future, Dr. Ahluwalia envisions Higher Health's expansion beyond South African borders, taking its holistic approach in health, education, and community building to the world stage. He sees the organization continuing to shatter ceilings through global partnerships and state-of-the-art digital solutions, further elevating the pursuit of health equity and knowledge across the world.
Stay informed and join Dr. Ramneek Ahluwalia's quest to build a generation of resilient, adaptable, and empowered global citizens. Follow him on LinkedIn and explore more about Higher Health here.
Additional Context
According to recent data, South African women experience a lifetime risk of 45.6% for gender-based violence (GBVF), well above the global average[1]. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for programs like those developed by Higher Health to combat GBV and support mental health on university and TVET college campuses. Higher Health's focus on gender awareness, mental health support, and substance abuse prevention represents a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis of student safety and wellbeing in South Africa.
- Source: Sexual violence in South Africa (March 1, 2022)
- Source: Higher Health - About Us (N.D)
- Dr. Ramneek Ahluwalia's vision with Higher Health is to empower South African youth by providing Skills for Life and Soft Skills that will help them excel in personal and professional growth.
- The Skills for Life and Soft Skills program offered by Higher Health equips students with essential workplace competencies, including empathy, teamwork, and time management, which are crucial for career development.
- Through initiatives like the "Transforming MEN'talities" project, Dr. Ahluwalia is addressing the pressing challenge of gender-based violence (GBV)by promoting education and empowerment of students and youth.
- The Skills for Life and Soft Skills online qualification provided by Higher Health encompasses eight modules that cover topics such as Civic Education, Mental Health, Climate Change, and Financial Literacy, aiding in personal and educational development.
