Domestic worker graduates as teacher

A 41-YEAR-old Montclair domestic worker Carol Ndhlovu has persevered against all limitations to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a qualified teacher.

Carol recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education degree in senior and FET phases from the University of South Africa (UNISA). Having been raised in a largely patriarchal family back in uMzimkhulu, the idea of being an educated and independent woman was a foreign concept.

However, when she got the opportunity to work for the Padayachees in Montclair six years ago, she grabbed it with both hands and made the most of it.

“Mr and Mrs Padayachee have been a huge inspiration in my career and insisted I pursue my dreams to study education. With their support and motivation every step of the way, I managed to fulfil my dreams,” said the new graduate.

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Ndhlovu funded her studies by saving a little money from her salary each month. Her employers also assisted her with any other additional school expenses. Equipped with her Bachelor’s degree, she is setting a positive example for her four children who are all in school and determined to follow in her footsteps of conquering despite difficult circumstances. Qualified to teach learners from grades eight to 12, Ndhlovu is currently in the interview stage of moulding her new career and awaiting a response from prospective employers.

Commenting on Ndhlovu’s recent achievement, Kogi Padayachee said the whole family is ecstatic and proud of her and expressed that any school that employs her will be gaining a true asset.
“Despite Carol being a mother of four children and working for me six days in a week, she still had to do her assignments, chores, shopping and study for her exams. She never gave up or complained. When she collected her certificate at the graduation, my husband captured the inspirational moment on video and I took photos. I was in tears of joy and excitement. Her dream had finally come true,” she said excitedly.

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