WHEN Tuskeen Salie joined Van Der Kemp Primary School in 2017 as a foundation phase teacher, she knew she would quickly become attached to the learners and the community of Saltlake, Gqeberha.
Even though most of the learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and face really difficult circumstances, they still show a deep yearning for learning and a passion for education.
“It’s a marvel to me, that these little people, beautiful and bright-eyed, coming from some really traumatic experiences, still have so much zeal for life. That’s enough to start a fire in any teacher — that’s what we are here for,” said Salie, tearfully.
Being brought up by her grandmother, Salie said her own childhood was not great either, so she can relate to her learners. “But education is the key to making a better life for yourself and the people you love,” she said.
“So, when I started noticing that sometimes my class of over 60 learners was getting smaller, I was concerned. I went to their homes to find out why they were not in school.”
At most of the homes she visited, she discovered that the learners were not coming to school because they lacked basic needs such as school shoes, uniforms, books, and stationery. Deeply troubled by this, Salie decided to do something about the sad situation she saw.
“I started knocking on different doors, trying to get everyone to rally behind the initiative of making sure no child is left behind. I was not about to sit and do nothing while children who have the basic right to education missed out on it because of circumstances they cannot control. It also pained me to see children staying in homes where there is gender-based violence, substance abuse, and poverty — at least when they come to school, half of their day is spent learning, playing with their peers, and eating two meals provided.”
Without the School Governing Body chairperson, Ashley Fortuin, Salie said she would not have been able to do what she has. “He has been representing the SGB for nine years now, and his passion for these learners and the community keeps growing. Working with a like-minded person has been such a huge help because we are driven by the same purpose. Most of the time, he reaches into his own pocket to make things happen for the learners at the school.”
Fortuin, who is unemployed, said he does it all with pleasure. “Yes, I’m not working currently, but if the feeding scheme is unable to deliver the food for the learners for whatever reason, I drive my car to collect it. I know that whatever blessings are in store for me will come, but my duty is to help where I can, with what I have,” he said, smiling.
The principal at Van Der Kemp Primary School, A.D. Johnson, whose first day was just a day before the handover, said he has no choice but to hit the ground running with such a motivated staff member and dedicated SGB.
“I was motivated when I met Miss Salie, who has the sun shining out of her eyes for these learners. She is a huge asset to this school, and to the community, but especially to these little people in this school,” he said.
“Education is not just about the books; it’s about the overall well-being of the child, and that’s what we are promoting at our school. I want to motivate the other staff members to get involved and help out where they can, the more hands on deck, the better. I also want the community to know that when they bring their child to this school, their child will be cared for,” Johnson concluded.
Something Fortuin wished to communicate to the parents of the learners at the schools was to be more involved in the learners’ school life. “We have over 700 learners here, but when we call a parents’ meeting, we only have two parents coming. That’s unacceptable.”
Different donors have been supporting Salie and the school’s initiative, including two local organisations, the Benedicta Foundation and the Kaiden Titus Foundation (not yet registered).
Last week, the two organisations visited the school to hand over essential school items. “One of the reasons why we are grateful for the media being here is that we are able to account for the goods we have received from the public because we even ask for donations on social media, as well as to communicate our gratitude for the help this beautiful city is giving our learners. You have heard our cries and responded so swiftly and generously, thank you.”
The Benedicta Foundation, started by Thaspen Huhner who has since relocated to Abu Dhabi, is a Gqeberha-based organisation run by Huhner’s cousins, Octavia, Linshay, Caryn Arkeldien, and friend, Jaline Young. “For us, it’s about helping as many people who are in need as possible. That’s it. Whether it’s through giving essential items, skills development training, trauma therapy, or cooking lessons, we go where we’re needed,” Octavia said.
Titus, who is studying towards an education qualification, said he hopes the learners stay in school, no matter what the circumstances are, because things will improve through education.
For more information, to donate, or to get in touch with the two organisations, contact Tuskeen Salie at 071 007 4763.
