POLOKWANE – Former pre-school teacher and Oakwood Academy owner, Jolene Jules Khomo seems to enjoy children’s inquisitiveness and curiosity more than most, this probing her to further complete her studies towards a degree in the foundation phase and opening the doors of this particular pre-school.
Oakwood Academy aims to ensure that regardless of a child’s background and or how disadvantaged they may be, they will be placed in the right environment in which they can succeed.
“As you know, the Oakwood tree symbolises strength and wisdom. I chose that name for my school mostly because that was my definition of how I would like the children in my school to be, and that is to be strong and firm in their education,” Jolene explained.
Another reason for the establishment of this pre-school is to assist other institutions to avoid a pile-up of toddlers in classes.
“Having more pre-schools in Polokwane will definitely decrease an overpopulation in classes, which will give the teachers time and opportunities to concentrate on the children and give them the individual attention they deserve,” she shared.
Although she has started on this new venture, she also encourages others to do their part but to do so in a lawful manner.
“I would advise individuals who would also love to open their own schools to comply with the regulations of the city and to strive to perform better than the minimum requirements,” she added.
She has been fortunate enough to have found a number of teachers who are willing to assist her at the school.
“I’ll be working with experienced and well trained women who I personally know from my local community church. My first requirement for choosing teachers was not only about their qualifications, but their love for children and God. The school’s motto is ‘Let all that you do be done in love’ from 1 Cor 16:14, with love, honour and commitment. I firmly believe that if you keep this in mind at all times then no matter what you are doing you will always do it with the child’s best interests at heart. Our medium of instruction is English, so that was also a prerequisite,” she explained.
Oakwood Academy not only focuses on providing a safe and caring environment, but they are of the belief that each child has their own unique traits. It is in this manner that they enjoy building positive relationships which enables and causes the environment around them to improve through their learning and development. “Through this, providing high achieving primary school entrants,” she said.
