Beatrice’s 41 years spent with learners

POLOKWANE – Teaching is more than just standing in front of the classroom imparting knowledge to the learners, it is a continuous learning process for the teachers as well as the learners.

This is what Beatrice Molepo from Christian Achievers Academy believes.

She has been a teacher for 41 years and recently received a certificate after attending a school management and governing body course. She is also the head of department for the foundation phase at Christian Achievers Academy.

“What I learned at the course will help me to be a better manager as head of department,” she explained.

Beatrice says teaching has always been her passion and to motivate learners to be the best they can be, gives her great pleasure.

“I enjoy teaching Bible studies and character building, English, maths and life skills. These subjects have given me a direct path to the hearts of the children, where I can start at the very core and help build a foundation. Other teachers will be able to build on that foundation to develop every learner’s full potential, ” she explains.

Beatrice is the mother of nine children, one of whom she adopted after her sister died. Her eldest child is 40- years-old while the youngest is 27-years-old.

“I love cooking for my family and it when we all sit down around the table for a meal, I have the chance to discuss their problems and help my children find solutions for these problems.

“There is nothing more important than teaching and this goes for both home and work. Family time is just as important as making time to pray and having a close relationship with God.

“The Word of God motivates me and obeying God’s principles keeps us going as a family,” she says.

Beatrice adds that teaching has also taught her self- respect and respect for other people, as well as introspection and loving other people as the images of God.

Her message to other teachers is that they should treat all learners as individuals and show them where they can improve and better themselves.

“That is what teaching is all about. Teachers are the builders of children; the building blocks of the future.”