Inspiring a new generation
A Brakpan teacher has done herself and her school extremely proud by placing second in a prestigious, national teaching competition.
Anneline Govender, the subject head of mathematics and natural science at Brenthurst Primary School, was honoured with the Silver Achievement Award in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category, at the 15th Annual National Teaching Awards.
The awards, which boast 17 different categories, are entered by primary and high school teachers from all over the country.
They are held by the Department of Basic Education to acknowledge and encourage dedicated and caring teachers.
The glittering award ceremony was recently held at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, and was attended by the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address and highlighted the important role teachers play in developing a society.
“It was a lovely evening and it was exciting to receive an award,” said Govender.
She has been in the education sector for the past 16 years and first taught at Springs Secondary School, in 1998.
“I was always fascinated and excited by teachers, and would love to inspire the new generation,” she said.
She went on to mould young minds at Windsor Secondary School, in KwaZulu-Natal, and then at ML Sultan Primary School, in Pietermaritzburg.
At this school, she taught mathematics to pupils in Grades Five and Six, natural science to pupils in Grade Five, and life orientation to Grade Four and Five pupils.
Govender was also the district volleyball co-coordinator for primary schools in the area, started a youth club with the aim of encouraging pupils to become involved in community projects, and was involved in a joint venture with Child Welfare, providing blankets to a HIV/Aids home and promoting HIV awareness in the community at large.
Govender joined the teaching staff at Brenthurst Primary School in 2007 and currently teaches mathematics to Grade Seven pupils.
Govender, who lives in Benoni, juggles her teaching duties with various activities, including starting several co-curricular initiatives such as a natural science quiz, coordinating a maths challenge for Grades Four and Seven, and assisting in athletics and long-jump events.
She also initiated and coordinated several fund-raising activities at Brenthurst Primary School, including a Valentine’s Disco, Spring Dance, a Grade Seven braai and an Entrepreneur’s Day.
Govender told the Herald she was thankful for the mentorship from school principal, Dr Razia Ghanchi-Badasie.
“She mentored me a lot and helped me get to this position,” she said.
The school’s staff and pupils congratulated Govender on her wonderful achievement.
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