Strong ethics, values and dreams at core of Goolam Lahri’s teaching
Lahri has been affiliated with Potgietersrus Primary School since 1971
MOKOPANE – “Stay humble, understanding, be patient and teach with dignity because you are the troopers of transformation and nation building.” Those are the wise words of Goolam Lahri (68), retired Principal and Teacher at Potgietersrus Primary School.
Lahri has been affiliated with Potgietersrus Primary School since 1971, making it 44 years now, but is currently without a job description as he still lends a hand at the school wherever he can, to make sure that all is still on track.
“I absolutely love children. I like being in their environment to see their laughter and even to see their tears. How can I leave this place?”
He explains he simply can’t sit at home being inactive as he likes being active and has always been this way. Lahri was born and bred in Mokopane and studied teaching at the Transvaal College of Education in Pretoria. He is a qualified teacher in Afrikaans and taught it as well as history to the grade one, two and three learners in the 1970’s. He then worked his way up as a section head then school principal. He explains that this school crawled into his heart as he also attended his primary school years as child here. Through his journey as a teacher he obtained many certificates for excellence in primary teaching.
When talking about his family, his face lights up with pride as he boasts that all three of his children (two sons and one daughter) are doctors. His wife is a retired teacher and his son-in-law a surgeon.
Although he is no longer contractually affiliated with the school, he hopes to continue with his duties. “Nothing will change. I would continue as long as I am healthy.” He takes his health very seriously and walks everywhere, even to the mosque and only makes use of his car for long distance travelling. Lahri believes that reading, getting up early and staying positive keeps him going and is the secret to his well-being.
His role models are former principal SM Mohammed and Ismail Hassim. “They inspire me because education is and was their entire life and top priority.” His motivation in life is to stay humble and serve. “There is so much in humbleness. It is about give and take,” he said.
He describes education as follows: “For me education is merely answering the call of being an educator. I believe in making a difference in learners lives by helping them to rise above their circumstances.”
He motivates his learners by telling them to reach for their dreams, develop strong work ethics, confidence and moral values because leaders and creative sparks are always needed in the workplace. “We as a creation are created for a purpose and we must be in constant motion. I have worked with the most precious material in the world, that is the mind of a child. It was and still is a blessing,” he concluded.
