Learning Never Stops: A Veteran Teacher’s Journey with Edufundi

With over 31 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Nolundi Yakayaka, Departmental Head at Joe Slovo Primary School in Eastern Cape, has dedicated her life to education. Yet, her recent involvement in the Edufundi programme has shown her that growth in teaching is a journey that never truly ends. Here, Mrs. Yakayaka shares her experience of rediscovering her passion for teaching and learning.

A New Beginning at Joe Slovo Primary

In March 2024, Mrs. Yakayaka was redeployed from Garrett Primary to Joe Slovo Primary School. Change is never easy, but she quickly found herself welcomed into a warm, collaborative environment. Introduced to Edufundi’s programme, she saw immediately how impactful this support had been for her new colleagues over the past two years. This sense of teamwork, deeply embedded in the school culture, provided her with a solid foundation and opened her eyes to new possibilities.

“From the moment I entered their gates, I sensed the teamwork,” Mrs. Yakayaka reflects. “The School Management Team and Edufundi mentors supported me every step of the way, making the transition smooth and inspiring.”

Embracing “Teaching for Learning”

One of the core principles Mrs. Yakayaka discovered in Edufundi’s programme was the concept of “teaching for learning.” She was drawn to Edufundi’s focus on guiding students to understand the goals of each lesson. This approach introduced a reflective element to her teaching, encouraging students to ask, “What have I learnt?” while prompting her to consider, “Did I achieve my goal for the day?”
“This reflection helps both learners and teachers see the progress they’re making,” she explains. “It’s about teaching with purpose and encouraging students to find value in their learning experience.”

Techniques that Make a Difference

Through Edufundi’s mentorship, Mrs. Yakayaka has adopted new strategies that enhance her teaching and classroom management. She particularly values techniques that foster a positive classroom atmosphere, such as sharing lesson objectives at the start of each session. Her mentor, Kris, has been instrumental in guiding her through these techniques and has provided ongoing support and inspiration.

“Thanks to Kris, my mentor, I now use methods that reduce my stress and make my teaching more impactful,” she says. “The techniques help create an engaging environment where students are active participants in their learning.”

A Message for Fellow Educators

Reflecting on her journey with Edufundi, Mrs. Yakayaka wishes she had encountered these transformative techniques earlier in her career. She believes that Edufundi offers invaluable support for teachers at all levels, providing them with practical strategies that can make a real difference in the classroom.

“My experience has shown me that Edufundi is a goldmine for educators. I’d love to continue with the programme and encourage others to enrol. The sky’s the limit with Edufundi,” she concludes.

Mrs. Yakayaka’s journey illustrates that even veteran teachers can find renewed inspiration and growth through Edufundi. Her experience serves as a testament to Edufundi’s commitment to empowering educators and creating positive learning environments for all.