Thank you, TEACH Ambassadors

Being able to help guide and educate the young minds of tomorrow is an extremely rewarding task – just ask any of our 2010 TEACH Ambassadors and they’ll tell you as much. We will celebrate the efforts of all our Ambassadors at the TEACH South Africa year-end function on 1 October, saluting their unrelenting dedication and passion in helping to address the poor state of education in disadvantaged areas across the country.

Chairman of the board for TEACH South Africa, Mrs Futhi Mtoba, was full of praise for the work carried out by TEACH Ambassadors.

“I am humbled by your commitment and the hard work you contributed towards making a difference in the lives of learners in our schools,” says Mtoba. “I understand that, through the challenges and victories, you did not give up on your learners, who are so deserving of the quality education and knowledge you impart to them.

“Your leadership skills proved to be an asset to the learners. You introduced initiatives that took them out of the classroom, and demonstrated that learning happens all around us.”

TEACH Ambassador Munyaradzi Masiwa admits that his work as a maths teacher at Sizimisele High School in Khayelitsha was sometimes challenging, but TEACH South Africa was always there for him.

“TEACH South Africa is the best developmental organisation I have seen,” he says. “It has Africa at its heart, and wants to see the standard of education improve across the continent. It is also very supportive of its Ambassadors. When situations became tough, Ambassadors kept going because TEACH South Africa was always there for them.”

TEACH Ambassador Samantha da Silva was drawn to the idea of using her chosen field of study for greater social benefit.

“I had teachers who were very inspirational and had a big impact on my life, but I also know how terrible a disengaged teacher can be, as I’ve had a few of those too,” explains Samantha.

“If I can be a positive influence on children’s lives, even in a small way, I am helping our country to a better future, and it is also my way of paying back the wonderful people who helped shape me when I was growing up.

“For every difficulty I have faced, there has always been a moment where I felt my effort has not been wasted and that, slowly, we as teachers and TEACH South Africa Ambassadors are making a difference to our country, one child at a time.”

Further praising the TEACH Ambassadors, Mtoba added, “The way you undertook enormous responsibilities in the past two years was admirable, and I hope it has left you with a sense of purpose for any path in life you choose. I thank you for your willingness to help create a better future for learners, within the circumstances you were placed. You will always be a part of the TEACH South Africa family, and we wish you the best in your future endeavours.”