{"id":294828,"date":"2025-12-04T20:56:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/?p=294828"},"modified":"2025-12-04T20:56:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T18:56:08","slug":"kareedouws-maureen-theunissen-wins-ecd-practitioner-of-year-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/kareedouws-maureen-theunissen-wins-ecd-practitioner-of-year-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Kareedouw’s Maureen Theunissen wins ECD Practitioner of Year Award"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KAREEDOUW<\/strong> – Local Early Childhood Development practitioner, Maureen Theunissen, from Kareedouw, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to early learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She graduated in Early Childhood Development (ECD) on 28 November at Early Inspiration, a training institute in Gqeberha, and received the prestigious Practitioner of the Year Award.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award celebrates Theunissen’s dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for young children.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The award celebrates her dedication to creating a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment for young children.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Uitkyk Cr\u00e8che Principal Valerie Saile describes her as patient, compassionate, and deeply committed to every child in her care.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raised in a Christian household by parents who were strong believers in Christ, Theunissen credits her upbringing for shaping her values of kindness, humility, and service to others. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those close to her say these principles continue to guide her work and her interaction with children and families in the community.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Theunissen, the recognition marks the fulfilment of a heartfelt calling.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Working with children has always been close to my heart,” said Theunissen. “Seeing them grow, learn and shine is the greatest reward.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her journey has not been without challenges. Years of studying, hands-on training, and unwavering perseverance have shaped her into one of Kareedouw’s most respected early-learning practitioners at Uitkyk Cr\u00e8che.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Practitioner of the Year Award acknowledges her innovative teaching approaches and the meaningful connections she builds with both children and parents.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standing firmly behind her is her close-knit family. Her sisters and brother say they are incredibly proud of her dedication and the love she pours into her work.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They have watched her grow, overcome challenges, and pour her soul into the children she serves. \n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their hearts are proud of the woman she has become: humble, determined and full of love.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Maureen has always had a special grace,” said Saile. “Her passion, her faith, and her commitment to the children she serves inspire us every day.”\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community members have echoed this pride, praising the positive impact she has made in the lives of young children in Kareedouw and beyond.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Raised in Kareedouw, a local resident, Jacobus Jantjes, said that Theunissen’s journey is a powerful reminder that with faith, perseverance and determination, people can achieve anything they set their minds to.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said that her success stands as an inspiration to young people across their community and beyond.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“This small town of Kareedouw keeps on delivering remarkable people with talent, individuals like Maureen, who carry the community’s spirit forward with excellence and heart,” said Jantjes.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Congratulations, Maureen. We, as the community, are proud of you.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kareedouw Early Childhood Development practitioner Maureen Theunissen recognised for outstanding contribution to early learning.Kareedouw Early Childhood Development practitioner Maureen Theunissen recognised for outstanding contribution to early 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