Benoni High School principal Eugene Rooyakkers set the bar high for the learners and educators after recently graduating with a doctorate.
He’s research focused on the role of the school principal in addressing the use of performance enhancing drugs (PED) in secondary schools.
Qualitative research was completed to determine the level of knowledge of school principals, as leaders of their schools, in terms of PED.
The research suggested school principals would struggle to deal with the many complexities around the presence of PEDs.
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The contribution of the research is that it suggests the implementation of anti-doping policies in general and support to principals by analyzing and scrutinizing the general strands of arguments to support bans on doping in schools.
It also recommends that school authorities including government departments, school leadership, parents and coaches should be part of any future research, and must endeavor to ensure the morals, ethics, and values of all school communities within the country are upheld.
Rooyakkers said it is still strange to be referred to as doctor.
“I did it to show the staff and learners that it is doable and they can achieve anything they put their minds to.
“His advice to learners is define any qualification with action and to not let it define you.”
Rooyakkers has also received a Higher Diploma in Education from the Johannesburg College of Education followed by a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Africa. He completed his Honours in Education in 2008 and a Master’s degree in Education (Educational Management and Leadership) in 2016 from the University of Johannesburg.
He has worked his way up from class teacher to principal of Benoni High School.
“I thank my wife for all the support she has shown me through the entire process”.
