Thank you for teaching me selflessness

The first quality that springs to mind when I think of being a TEACH Ambassador is selflessness. I admire this quality in others and believe that, although it is a road less travelled, it’s a road leading to true fulfilment.

I was lucky enough to receive an opportunity to be selfless through the TEACH South Africa programme, when I was accepted as an English Ambassador in 2011.

At the beginning of that year I set a target for my learners of improving their marks by 15%. It was an ambitious target, as I hadn’t taught before. I was also asked to mentor three young ladies in Grade 12, as part of the mentorship programme already in place at the school to assist matric pupils.

My short stay at the school yielded some positives. My Grade 10 learners participated in a spelling contest and won some prizes. Two of the three Grade 12 learners I mentored also passed well enough to receive university entrance and I celebrate their commitment. The school’s matric pass rate went from 55% in 2010 to 62% in 2011.

There are many other achievements I could mention but that is not necessary. What is clear is that the school improved since I was part of it. However, I cannot monopolise the credit, and would like to highlight the ongoing support I received from my mentor from TEACH South Africa, Vic Rodseth and my fellow TEACH Ambassador, Ambrose Mathlomula Lekoma.

To everyone at TEACH South Africa and to the sponsors of the programme, I say thank you. Keep making a difference to the life of learners.