My Experience as an Intern at Edufundi
August 11, 2024
Learning Never Stops: A Veteran Teacher’s Journey with Edufundi
November 12, 2024
At Edufundi, we understand the unique challenges faced by newly qualified teachers. Our mentorship programme is designed to build confidence, resilience, and practical skills through personalised support and structured techniques. Here’s a powerful story from Miss Yantolo, a teacher from Emafini Primary School in the Eastern Cape, whose journey with Edufundi began with a single “yes” and has transformed her into a champion in her classroom and beyond.
“You Got This! Believe in Yourself”
Miss Yantolo recalls the moment her journey began: “It was February 2020 when I said yes to support, yes to help, and it was that unsure and fearful yes that made me a victor, a champion teacher, and a leader.” As a newly qualified teacher, she embraced the opportunity to work with Edufundi after her principal recommended it, seeing potential in her that she hadn’t yet realised.
But the beginning wasn’t easy. On her first day working with her mentor, Ms. Kris Ndakisa, nerves got the best of her. “Just as I was getting into my lesson, I realised I messed up the Joy Factor and started panicking.” She describes the moment as overwhelming, but Ms. Ndakisa stepped in with calm reassurance, reminding her: “You got this, believe in yourself, Miss Yantolo.”
That small act of encouragement turned everything around. With Edufundi’s support, Miss Yantolo gradually built her confidence and embraced each teaching challenge with renewed strength. The programme’s techniques—like the “Joy Factor”—and regular mentoring sessions gave her a toolkit to manage her classroom, engage her students, and grow into a role model for other teachers
A Message to Young Teachers
Today, Miss Yantolo is a mentor herself, sharing Edufundi’s strategies with other educators. Her journey from unsure beginner to inspiring leader is a testament to the impact of support, encouragement, and believing in one’s potential.
To new teachers, she says: “You’ve got the strength to turn aspirations into reality; your journey is a canvas awaiting your unique brushstroke. Embrace the adventure, face uncertainties with a fearless heart, and remember: You got this!”
Edufundi continues to work with teachers like Miss Yantolo, helping them unlock their potential and inspire future generations. We are proud to support educators on their journeys toward growth, confidence, and lasting impact
