Marelyn Prinsloo, who is originally from Kareedouw, has transformed her life from security guard to qualified teacher, proving that determination and faith can overcome any obstacle.
At 50 years old, Prinsloo recently celebrated her sixth year as a teacher at Graslaagte Primary School in Humansdorp, having started her teaching career at the age of 45.
Her journey to the classroom was anything but conventional, spanning over a decade in various roles including security work, secretarial positions and administrative duties.
Working in security for over ten years while simultaneously pursuing various qualifications, Prinsloo completed computer courses, office administration and bookkeeping.
“I said to myself, I don’t want to be a security guard for the rest of my life,” said Prinsloo.
She said that she has changed careers many times for better prospects.
“I worked as security, as a secretary at a nursing school, and then as an admin clerk at St Patrick’s Primary in Humansdorp. I believed that I needed to improve my career,” said Prinsloo.
Her path to teaching began with a moment of divine inspiration while working as a security guard in Cape Town.
“One beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, while everybody was partying, I had to go to work with my uniform on and my lunchbox in my hand. I was so sad, and I told the Lord that I wanted to work at a school,” said Prinsloo.
Since she did not have the funds to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher, her dream was placed on hold for some time.
Prinsloo said that the turning point came when she relocated to Humansdorp and began working as a secretary at St Patrick’s Primary School.
“I fell in love with the children and decided to study teaching,” said Prinsloo.
Her commitment to her dream, however, required significant sacrifice.
After a car accident, instead of purchasing a new vehicle, Prinsloo used the insurance payout to fund her studies.
In 2019, she achieved her goal, graduating from the University of South Africa (UNISA) with a Bachelor of Education Foundation degree.
“When I finished my studies, I prayed and asked the Lord, when I’m done, I want to work close to home, and it must be a permanent position. The Lord is so faithful, He granted me that,” said Prinsloo.
Throughout her journey, she drew inspiration from her uncle, Jacobus Jantjes, owner of JF Security Services, who served as her manager during her security days in Cape Town.
“My uncle is very proud of me. He was an inspiration and motivation for me to study further because he was a soldier and then worked towards starting his own security company. I looked up to him and improved my career through my studies,” said Prinsloo.
Jantjes, reflecting on his niece’s achievement, expressed immense pride in her transformation.
“Marelyn is a remarkable individual who has defied convention and achieved her dreams through hard work and determination. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of self-motivation and the importance of investing in one’s future,” said Jantjes.
The support from her family and community has been unwavering.
“Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that hard work and determination can lead to incredible outcomes,” said Jantjes.
Now established in her teaching career, Prinsloo has made it her mission to inspire others, particularly young people in Kareedouw who may feel trapped by limited opportunities.
At Graslaagte Primary, she holds the distinction of being the first teacher to start at 45 years old, coinciding with the school’s 50th anniversary.
“When I started teaching, I said I wanted to motivate the children because they need to be independent. I want to encourage them to never give up. Don’t look at the circumstances that you are in now, but push through and work hard so that you can achieve more. I told them that nothing is impossible with God on your side,” said Prinsloo.
Her impact extends beyond the classroom, and she has now made it her life’s mission to share her story with other women to encourage them to never give up and study further.
For Prinsloo, her success carries special significance for her hometown.
“Can something good come out of Kareedouw? Indeed, it can. I am a shining example of someone from Kareedouw who achieved great things through determination and hard work. My story shows that talent, passion and perseverance can lead to success, regardless of where you’re from. Kareedouw may be a small town, but it’s clear its residents have big dreams and inspiration,” said Prinsloo.
She further said that the transition to teaching has been deeply fulfilling.
Prinsloo said that it has been great to help children, especially those in her classroom who battle with subjects like Mathematics and Afrikaans.
“There’s nothing that can satisfy you more when you see a child grasp a concept,” said Prinsloo.
She attributes her values and inspiration to her upbringing under the guidance of Jesus Christ and her parents, Frank and Fina Felkers.
