An inspiration to all teachers
Engela Marnewick teaches to inspire those who feel they are not good or smart enough.
POLOKWANE – Engela has been a teacher for the past 47 years and is still going strong at the age of 68.
“I know from personal experience as a learner that teachers can be cruel, and I decided that I want to become a teacher to show learners that not everyone is cruel and as a means to encourage and motivate them,” said Engela.
Engela has given class at almost every school in Polokwane, which includes Hoërskool Pietersburg, Capricorn High School, as well as General Piet Joubert and she currently teaches at Curro Northern Academy. “I am proud to say that I was part of the first team to ever work at General Piet Joubert when it had just opened its doors,” she explained. Engela has also taught subjects which include biology, history, science and Sepedi. “I can speak Sepedi fluently because I had it as a second subject while I was still in school,” she said proudly.
She gets up every morning at 05:00 and is at school just after 06:00. “I enjoy my job so much, the Lord has blessed me with a healthy body and mind which gives me the energy to stand up every morning and take on each day.” Engela said her mission as a teacher is to always be there for every learner. “When learners are in trouble or going through a rough patch, they always come to me and that is something I feel truly honoured about,” said Engela. She added that her nickname at the school is The Peacemaker, something she is very proud of.
Even though she enjoys her job to the fullest, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. “There is always a reason why some learners are rebellious, whether it is a difficult time at home, or something else, it is our work as teachers to find out what the reason is, and be there for them.”
She does not believe a person should give respect to someone just because they are older.
“You earn your respect by showing respect, you can’t expect a learner to give you respect if you don’t treat them with respect.”
Engela said she is aiming to still give school until 2018 so that she can retire at the age of 70. “If they aren’t careful, I will still come to school every day,” she joked.
