Meet Lebitso Lepholletse, a dedicated Grade 1 teacher at FJL Wells Mine Primary School, who wished teachers weren’t only celebrated on World Teacher’s Day (October 5) but every day.
The 47-year-old has been teaching for 24 years and said educators need more respect. She is, however, still glad that teachers are being recognised for the difference they’re making in society.
People in this line of work must love children naturally. That’s really one of the major prerequisites. One should also be passionate and realise that you as a teacher can help nurture learners’ self-esteem, mould these kids into becoming a better person and make them see that they have a future,” Lebitso said.
She added that she is fulfilled by doing her job and knowing that one day, everything she instilled in her learners will make her proud.
“I must hope and believe that they’ll be the best they can be,” she said.
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She admitted Covid-19 has definitely taken its toll on the education system, even on her and other educators, and she was concerned that learners might fall behind as a result.
“But I had to pull up my socks. The initial stages were very hectic for us and as teachers. Like many other essential workers, we’ve gone through a lot; I mean from being infected with Covid-19 to having to repeat the same lessons for days because learners attended in groups at times, and this created quite a challenge for us.
It took a big effort and hard work, and one can easily fall behind schedule if you don’t keep track, stay on top of things and work quickly,” she said.
Lastly, Lebitso said despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, she believed life would go back to normal soon.
“Teachers must be valued because they’re the foundation of what many careers are built on. I just want teachers to be appreciated more, even if this means having another look at their salary,” she added.
