Mandela Day 2018
June 20, 2018Unity
July 4, 2018The end of 2017 marked the end of an era with the retirement of three of our beloved mentors – Bill Holderness, Avryl Smith and Sibongile Godlwana (affectionately known as Mrs G).
With over a century of educational experience between them, these three pedagogic giants brought considerable value to our organisation. It is safe to say that, through their classroom practice, school management, material development, policy change and teacher mentorship, they have left the field of teaching and learning forever changed.
Since joining the Edufundi team, Bill, Avryl and Mrs G have shared their wealth of knowledge with colleagues and mentees alike and have epitomised the concept of a Growth Mindset by embracing a whole new approach to classroom practice in the form of Teach Like a Champion. In so doing, each one has shown us all what it means to be a lifelong learner!
Mrs G joined the team in 2008 and worked across rural schools throughout KwaZulu-Natal. She has been an integral part of our team and is known affectionately by all her children as Gogo G.
Mentor
Sibongile Godlwana (Mrs G)
With over a century of educational experience between them, these three pedagogic giants brought considerable value to our organisation. It is safe to say that, through their classroom practice, school management, material development, policy change and teacher mentorship, they have left the field of teaching and learning forever changed.
Since joining the Edufundi team, Bill, Avryl and Mrs G have shared their wealth of knowledge with colleagues and mentees alike and have epitomised the concept of a Growth Mindset by embracing a whole new approach to classroom practice in the form of Teach Like a Champion. In so doing, each one has shown us all what it means to be a lifelong learner!
Avryl joined the team in 2012 as a Foundation Phase mentor in Port Elizabeth. She has worked in some remarkably challenging schools during her time at Edufundi and has left her mark on every teacher with whom she has worked.
Mentor
Avryl Smith
With over a century of educational experience between them, these three pedagogic giants brought considerable value to our organisation. It is safe to say that, through their classroom practice, school management, material development, policy change and teacher mentorship, they have left the field of teaching and learning forever changed.
Since joining the Edufundi team, Bill, Avryl and Mrs G have shared their wealth of knowledge with colleagues and mentees alike and have epitomised the concept of a Growth Mindset by embracing a whole new approach to classroom practice in the form of Teach Like a Champion. In so doing, each one has shown us all what it means to be a lifelong learner!
Prof Bill is no stranger to many of the schools and teachers he has worked with over the last few years at Edufundi. Prior to joining the team in 2013, Bill was a Professor of Education at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), where he trained and supported countless teachers.
Mentor
Professor Bill Holderness
Many of his mentees were excited to see him come in to their schools as it allowed them to be re-acquainted with their “Prof”. Bill mentored his teachers with warmth and careful attention to detail and put 100% effort and care into all of his sessions. His wife Ros is also a retired teacher, and she played an integral role in supporting Bill’s work with Edufundi.
In 2014, Bill was responsible for running a spelling competition across the schools he supported and learners were gifted with a dictionary that he had authored. Ros spent countless hours supporting him in grading the tests, and it was a wonderful experience for all the children involved and helped greatly to improve their vocabulary and love of the English language.
Bill was always full of energy and his enthusiasm never waned. Always open to listening to stories and to sharing some of his own, Bill’s words of wisdom will remain forever in our hearts. Bill, thank you for your insight, your readiness to help and your meticulous attention to detail. You have shown us what it means to lead by example, with gentleness and a servant heart. We already miss your wisdom, wit and warmth.
Go well, good and faithful servants. You have dedicated your lives to enriching the lives of others… now enjoy the retirement you so richly deserve. Thank you for all you have done and all you have been. We love you and we miss you already.
Written by Robyn Pitot and Taryn Casey