The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognises October 5th as World Teachers Day, a day to celebrate teachers’ impact in our communities and support them.
As the dedicated Corporate Social Investment vehicle of Maskew Miller Learning, Marang Education Trust was established in 2008 as a Public Benefit Organisation to provide best practice solutions to improve teaching and learning outcomes within challenging, under-resourced and disadvantaged contexts in South Africa.
Marang Education Trust employs a team of former teachers who are regularly upskilled to operate as master teacher trainers and research assistants to work directly with schools. The team is dedicated to giving back to other teachers.
“We are blessed to work with some of the most amazing teachers in South Africa! Our teachers go above and beyond for our learners and often impact beyond the classroom and in the school community,” says Dr Nadeen Moolla, Research & Development Manager and Educational Psychologist at Marang Education Trust. “Indeed, none of us would be where we are without great teachers in our lives.”
The reflections below are from our Regional Managers, who provide direct curriculum and leadership and management training, coaching and mentoring at schools. They capture how Marang Education Trust endeavors to pay it forward, by giving back to the teaching profession. Teacher development and support is at the heart of the work being done every day. The team have their feet on the ground and are committed to enhancing teaching and learning practices. The aim is to improve school effectiveness on a systemic level as they collaborate with school district officials to make sure schools receive quality support.
Ms. Nondumiso Mnyamana, Regional Manager Eastern Cape “Supporting teachers on curriculum differentiation, mathematics, and reading to learn is gratifying, as I get to work with teachers in all the subjects. It is so rewarding to touch the lives of each teacher. The support given is based on the areas requiring support as per our baseline findings. This means that the support offered is based on needs as articulated by teachers and grounded in research, rather than on conjecture or assumption. The support to schools is provided on an ongoing basis in the form of workshops, mentorship sessions, classroom-based support, demonstration lessons, and reflective sessions.
Mr. Sihle Khuzwayo, Regional Manager KZN, “The most important venture in life is to contribute to the lives and work of teachers. I am assigned with the responsibility of supporting School Management Teams to grow in their space of practice. Engaging with more principals, deputies and departmental heads has made me realise that the support I am rendering brings value to their personal and professional growth.”
Dr Nadeen Moolla, Research and Development Manager, “I have learnt a great deal in my work with schools about achievement in the face of adversity, given that our work centers on supporting deep rural and township schools. I am always inspired by teachers who are committed and dedicated to their profession, and I therefore constantly search for opportunities to share knowledge, skills and expertise with teachers, young and old. My aim is always to enhance their practice and to motivate them to continue to give of their best and give of themselves whole-heartedly to the young people in their care.”
Marang Education Trust values teamwork that is driven by collaboration, which is crucial to making a positive and sustainable impact. In 2008, the Trust only had two staff members and worked with 16 schools across four provinces. Today, the Trust has grown to 15 staff members and is making an impact at 84 schools across seven provinces. Furthermore, they have awarded several learners in supported schools with undergraduate bursaries.
“A partnership with the Marang Education Trust is a journey towards establishing quality and sustainable professional development and support”, says Dr Veronique Genniker, Trust Executive.
