POLOKWANE – The former civil project manager says she began working at the school’s tuckshop three years ago following a nervous breakdown, severe depression, stress and anxiety.
“I couldn’t cope with the stress anymore and my husband Attie, the school principal, advised me to quit my job and think of my health and well-being.”
Maryna says she loves working with children as they brighten her day. She also assists the school’s rugby team by travelling with them for moral support. “I love our school because not only is it diverse, the children are so well mannered.”
Under Maryna’s watchful eye, the tuckshop serves delicious snacks, refreshments and lunches that are prepared on site.
“The learners love our burgers and chips and despite it being junk food, we prepare it in a way that is less fatty and healthier for the learners,” she said.
She adds that the pandemic affected the tuckshop’s profit because learners were attending school on a rotational basis but says that business is slowly picking up again. Maryna says she tries her best to communicate with learners in a way that is easier to understand.
“Working with younger kids is different as they are indecisive and often don’t know what they want, so you have to advise them as much as possible,” she said.
Both her grandchildren are products of Noordskool and because they refer to her as ouma, it is a term of endearment she now hears from all learners at the school.
