Inspired by learners he assists as a Mathematics coach at the St John’s Primary School in De Aar, Percival Meyer is one of over 50 students who has chosen teaching as a vocation in the last few years.
This was made possible with the help of a bursary fund that is uplifting local education skills.
Meyer (28), who originally dreamt of a career in the South African Navy, realised that his fall-back option was actually a perfect fit, leading him to choose the life of a teacher.
He is now two years into diploma study in Education for Gr. R, having been awarded a bursary as part of De Aar Solar Power’s bursary programme, and takes his inspiration from his learners.
“Seeing the children’s expressions change when they finally understood something, and knowing that I am the reason for this, inspired me to pursue teaching,” explained Meyer.
“It has been through the solar plant’s numeracy and literacy programme that, together with many of my peers, I can see that our community needs more teachers – as many children are faced with difficulties and struggles in the classroom.”
Having commenced his studies in 2021, he was close to giving up his plan to achieve his diploma due to financial constraints.
This was when he applied to the De Aar Solar Power bursary programme, and picked up where he had left off.
Meyer plans to complete this three-year course by 2024 and then apply for Bachelor of Education study, for the intermediate phase, whilst teaching.
Meyer is an example of how the experience and training gained from being a coach has led to a career in education.
“It is our wish that through our programmes, community members like Percival will be encouraged to pursue a career in education.
“By doing this, they can plough their skills back into the community,” concluded Zuki Ndlela, economic development specialist at De Aar Solar Power.
Meyer is one of five beneficiaries of De Aar Solar Power’s bursary programme, four of which are studying towards education-related qualifications.
