𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Despite being raised in a single-parent household and unable to complete her matric, Ms. Lerato Moshoeshoe decided this would not stop her from following her dreams. She recently completed the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching. Her journey with SANTS, however, started in 2010 when she enrolled for the Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) in Early Childhood Development (NQF 4).

“I was filled with pride and hope. I knew things would improve once I completed the NQF level 4 certificate. The Department of Education employed me in 2012. Shortly after the appointment, the department informed us [Early Childhood practitioners] that we were underqualified and had to upskill our qualifications.”

The minimum requirement for a Grade R Teacher, as stipulated by the policy on teaching qualifications, titled The Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications, is either a Diploma in Grade R Teaching or a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase teaching.

“I then enrolled at a local Further Education Training college, but on the first day of class, I realized that what they were teaching was identical to what I had already learned from SANTS during the FETC ECD programme. As a result, I decided to drop out of the program and applied for admission in the Diploma in Grade R Teaching offered by SANTS. Despite the fact that I could tell that I still had a long way to go, witnessing all of those teachers, heading to work, served as a source of motivation. I was able to see myself in them. I had a ravenous appetite for learning new things and improving myself as a person.”

Ms. Moshoeshoe said after completing her diploma, she decided to apply for the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching in 2019.

“In 2020, the effects of Covid-19 were devastating, and we had no idea what the future held. Nevertheless, the assistance that we received from SANTS was tremendous. My peers and I were able to succeed in spite of the many challenges we faced. I am thankful that I have never repeated a module. It was not easy, but I persisted in my efforts nonetheless.”

Ms. Moshoeshoe said she wanted to show her teenage son the kind of behaviour expected of him.

“My favourite thing about SANTS is that it provides students with an inheritance that will last a lifetime. Even though the knowledge contained in the study materials is of a very high calibre, the only way you will have any difficulty is if you do not read. If it weren’t for SANTS, I never would have gotten to this point in my life. I have made a lot of progress. The qualifications SANTS offers are in accordance with the policies of the Department of Education. As a result of my experience gained during the practice teaching [Workplace Integrated Learning], I have realized that SANTS is advanced. It has been of great assistance in planning lessons, and I have gained knowledge regarding phonological awareness as well as other topics. This was also demonstrated to me while I was working in schools. There is no institution comparable to SANTS. I have been a mentor to students from other institutions, but I had to start from scratch when instructing them on everything. The student-integrated teaching that SANTS provides is unparalleled.”

She offered a little word of encouragement to future educators.

“If you apply your mind to it, there is no task that you cannot complete. Some of the folks I went to school with, included elderly married women who faced a variety of obstacles in their lives but never let those obstacles stop them from excelling academically. There is no reason for you not to work on improving yourself. My starting point was with an NQF 4 certificate, but I’ve since advanced to a degree level. Now I have a full-time job with excellent benefits. You do not need to procrastinate. Now is the time to continue your education. In the meantime, I will keep on with mine. You are responsible for shaping the future.”

SANTS cannot wait to look up at you with pride, as you walk across the graduation stage soon. Congratulations on completing the degree, and for placing your trust and future in SANTS. Thank you!

In celebrating 25 years in education, SANTS will be giving a prize to winners each month of this birthday year. Simply enter this month by sharing this post with a friend on Facebook before 31 March 2023 to stand a chance to win a Takealot voucher to the value of R1000 each. The lucky winner will randomly be selected. The winner will be announced on 15 April 2023.