Brandon Raubenheimer leads through teaching

My name is Brandon Raubenheimer, I am 25 years old and I’m a TEACH Ambassador. I teach English at a school called Fumana Comprehensive in Katlehong on the East Rand of Johannesburg where I try to make a difference in the lives of the children.

As a TEACH Ambassador you are required to do a project that involves the learners, teachers and the community as a whole. I chose to start a soccer tournament during class breaks which kicked off in the last week of July 2010 after the very exciting World Cup. The learners usually spend their breaks just sitting in the sun, so the tournament provided them with an enjoyable and positively interactive alternative to boredom.

Fumana Comprehensive doesn’t have many resources including the necessary equipment or infrastructure for the tournament. I solved this problem by finding a piece of unused land on the school grounds and I went around to schools in the area to borrow hockey goalposts. I also received a sponsorship for soccer balls from my mentor, Andile Ncontsa, who worked at Old Mutual at the time.

The tournament was incredibly successful. From day one the vuvuzelas blew loudly at break time, both boys and girls took part and corridor chatter excitedly discussed who was playing and who was winning. Other teachers loved the effect the tournament had on the learners and parents were happy that their children were involved in fun, positive activity.

My main goal for 2011 for the learners that I teach, is to encourage and develop the soccer tournament as it is a positive influence on the community as a whole.

Read Brandon’s full profile here.