Margaret Gombard (54), the dedicated headmaster of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre at Tiffany’s in Paarl East, is not just an educator; she’s a living testament to the transformative power of perseverance, passion, and a profound belief in the potential of every child. This week, MCM (Monte Christo Miqlat) celebrated Margaret’s extraordinary achievement as she proudly obtained her Level 5 diploma in ECD education.
Born on the eastern side of the Bergriver in Paarl, in an area that was then known as “New York,” Margaret grew up in a home with a conservative father, an alcoholic mother, and a house with almost no furniture. After the murder of her father at the age of 11, she continued to stay with her mother and three siblings. One day in 1998, while cleaning the windows of her mother’s house with a piece of newspaper, her eye caught an advertisement for an open position at Wielie Walie, a crèche in Northern Paarl. Her application for the position was successful, and she started working there as a cleaner.
While diligently mopping the floors, her heart was drawn to the classrooms where she dreamt of becoming a teacher herself. Her natural motherly instincts and genuine care for children set her on a path she could only have imagined.
Recognising her unwavering commitment, Margaret was soon appointed as a class assistant, a role she embraced wholeheartedly for many years. Her life took a pivotal turn when the government initiated a programme seeking volunteers for a trial of the new Early Childhood Development training programme. Margaret was among the 40 selected.
This programme provided her with formal training as an ECD teacher. In 2013, fuelled by her passion for early childhood education, Margaret embarked on a new and challenging endeavour. She started a crèche at the MCM community centre, Tiffany’s in Paarl East.
In 2014, MCM officially opened its own ECD centre with four classes, and Margaret assumed the role of headmaster. Her journey from a cleaner with a dream to a headmaster with a vision exemplifies the incredible power of dedication, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of every child.
Margaret Gombard’s story is a testament to the idea that with a heart full of love for children and a determination to make a difference, one can overcome obstacles and inspire change. Her Level 5 diploma is not just a qualification: it’s a symbol of her unwavering commitment to providing quality early childhood education and nurturing young minds.
As Margaret continues to shape the future of our community’s children, her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us that dreams can become reality through hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for what we do.
