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2017 Thandulwazi Teacher Development Closing Ceremony

November 05, 2017 | Campus, Thandulwazi | Author: Ronelle Klinck and Bev Johnson

The Thandulwazi Teacher Development Programme (Gauteng) hosted its 2017 closing ceremony on Saturday 14 October, in the St Stithians Boys' Preparatory Tree Quad. This annual event is a wonderful celebration of teachers, at which Thandulwazi recognises their commitment to the profession and their learners; their hard work; and their individual achievements over the year. It is also an opportunity to thank the Thandulwazi workshop presenters, volunteers and partners in education, and our generous funders.

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A few of our Thandulwazi teachers at the ceremony

The theme for this year's closing ceremony was teamwork and collaboration. Ms Iris Francis Cupido, CEO of the SABC Foundation, gave an inspirational address in which she focussed on three key messages:

  • Teachers being more than just educators: “children today need validation, they need to be inspired and told that they are valuable. For many children, their homes are no longer safe spaces so school becomes their ‘happy place’”.
  • “Everyone matters”: The power of one’s community and their networks and how important it is to treat everyone you meet with respect and dignity.
  • Success is not determined by where you come from but by the decisions you make and how you develop yourself through opportunities of education.
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Ms Iris Francis Cupido, CEO of the SABC Foundation, speaking at the event

Attendees enjoyed performances by the Thandulwazi teachers’ marimba band and Djembe circle, directed by Mr Mike Sibanda.

The ceremony was a celebration of another successful year of the programme. One beneficiary, Louis Bhenyu (Gideon Rambuwani Primary School) commented: “Now, I am a totally different teacher from the one that walked into the gates of Thandulwazi [earlier this year]”.

Next year we hope to continue to inspire teachers to collaborate and embrace the journey of professional development.

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The Thandulwazi teachers’ marimba band and Djembe circle, directed by Mr Mike Sibanda

Thandulwazi thanks the Saints Family and our many partners in education, whose contributions make the Thandulwazi Maths & Science Academy possible. Special thanks to Pan Macmillan SA, Simplified Technology Solutions (Saints parents Paul McKay and Justine Lacey), and a donor who has asked to remain anonymous for the prizes donated for the Thandulwazi Teachers’ Closing Ceremony.