In light of the many challenges we have all faced over the last year, we want to infuse some positivity into the education space and share a success story.
It is true when they say life is an unpredictable journey full of surprises and miracles. As we began the year, I taught my learners a small self affirmation dialogue to motivate and remind them that when faced with challenges or had thoughts of being a failure they can do anything.
When the country went into lockdown, we were told: work remotely, there is no school, teach your children remotely. My initial thought was, “This shouldn’t be that difficult”, but boy was I wrong!
Lockdown helped me to introspect and I realized that I needed to develop my skills as a coach to interact confidently in my occupation. I experienced fear from the thought of starting something new, but soon realized that courage is the answer to continuous development.
I was excited on 21 March 2020, as it was two days before my birthday. My twin sister and I had plans to celebrate it in a special way, but on that day President Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown due to COVID-19.
At first, I was overwhelmed, scared and unsure about what I was getting myself into - considering all of the negative stories, news and rumours about the second wave that I was hearing.
At the onset of Lockdown, Lungelwa was confused and afraid. However, in the best interests of her children, she had to conceal her fears and comfort them.
Sit still Thobani! Stop turning around Phindi… Young man if you don’t start writing that work is going to write by itself… Aahh the famous lines of teachers in the moments when we are almost at our wit's end…
I am a teacher. I owe my being to the beautiful children I am entrusted to educate. The year 2020 began with endless possibilities. I was to teach grade 1 for the first time. I was filled with motivation to mould the minds of my highly impressionable learners. I wanted to teach them skills that would last them a lifetime.