By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
The Department of Education (DOE) hosted the 9th annual School Excellence Awards at Kokstad College last Thursday.
Teachers from the district received awards for exemplary effort in terms of improving on pass rates and general improvements in educational standards. A representative from the DOE said that this year he was particularly happy considering the vast improvement in pass rates compared to 2015.
Guest speaker, Barbara Njapha echoed the sentiment and said that teachers who continually try to improve need to be appreciated: “We are here to celebrate exemplary teachers and support staff. Those teachers who teach despite the challenges they face and do their best…those are the teachers I like. Teaching is about the outcome and not the income. I do however feel that supporting staff, subject advisors and area managers also need to be appreciated for their efforts.”
Njapha said that teachers have so many roles to fill including being a nurse, councillor and social worker and need to be inspired to improve every day.
“They need passion and commitment. I further challenge teachers to change the mind set of expecting less from your learners. Expect more from your learners, inspire and motivate them to do better,” cautioned Njapha. She also challenged stakeholders to become more actively involved in local education for the betterment of the entire community.
“How are we contributing to the betterment of schooling/education in our area? I challenge local stakeholders to become more involved. This will lead to less crime, poverty and disease and build better skills. It all starts at school!” said Njapha. She concluded her address by saying that appreciation is a fundamental human need and that recognising teachers helps to inspire and motivate them to improve.
1. A performance from a local learner.
2. Guest speaker, Mrs Barbara Njapha.
3. Local teachers and supporting staff receiving awards for their efforts towards the betterment of local education.
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