A teacher from Kalk Bay grabbed silver as the second best teacher in the technology field at the national teaching awards recently.
Kelly Joe Francis received a certificate for Excellence in Technology-Enhanced Teaching and Learning at the Western Cape Education Department’s Provincial Teaching Awards.
The ceremony was held at The Westin Hotel on Friday 15 August.
The annual awards shine the spotlight on the outstanding work by the teachers in the Western Cape. The categories included: national best teacher award, excellence in teaching mathematics, excellence in special needs teaching, excellence in primary school teaching and excellence in teaching natural sciences.
Francis is a teacher at St James RC Primary School in Kalk Bay.
She says she her journey in education began during her tenure as the school librarian in 2010.
“This was where I discovered my passion for helping learners access knowledge. From there, I served as the office assistant, gaining administrative skills that later prepared me for the role of bursar. My love for technology led me to become the ICT (teacher) and leader, guiding the integration of digital learning. Determined to grow further, I pursued studies and qualified as a Grade 4 (teacher) and today I proudly serve as both the Grade 6 (teacher) and ICT facilitator. My journey reflects resilience, growth, and a commitment to empowering learners.”
She says some of the greatest challenges she experienced has been ensuring learners receive quality education despite infrastructural and technological barriers.
“I tackled this by integrating ICT into teaching, maintaining and upgrading our school’s computer lab, and leading e-learning projects.
A highlight of my career has been watching learners who once doubted themselves develop the confidence to compete nationally in technology-driven initiatives.”
She says being recognised through the National Teaching Awards is one of the highlights of her career and has affirmed the value of innovation and resilience in education.
“Winning the award was a humbling and emotional moment. It felt like a recognition not just of my personal efforts, but of the collective journey of my learners, colleagues, and community. For my family, it was a source of immense pride, as they witnessed the sacrifices and dedication behind the achievement.”
She hopes the award will be recognised by her community as a “beacon of hope”.
“It could be proof that even from a small fishing village, excellence and recognition at provincial and national levels are possible and inspire learners and parents alike to believe in the power of education.”
Her personal goals include: growing as a teacher and leader and expanding her expertise in digital learning and inclusive education.
“For the school, I aim to further develop ICT integration, ensuring every learner gains the digital skills needed for the future. I also hope to foster global citizenship among learners by promoting collaboration, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. Ultimately, my goal is to create a school environment where every child feels capable, valued, and ready to thrive in a changing world.”
She credits the support of colleagues, parents, and the learners who constantly inspire her.
“Recognition at the National Teaching Awards is not the end of the journey but a stepping stone to even greater impact. My message to other (teachers) is that innovation, perseverance, and love for learners can overcome any challenge, no matter how small or under-resourced the school might be.”
. The school appointed Desiree Williams as principal on Wednesday 6 August and she will officially take over on Wednesday 1 October.
As new principal, Williams says she is beaming with pride over Francis’s achievements.
“As the newly appointed principal of St James Primary, my vision is rooted in growing others—creating space for every staff member to flourish alongside me. In that spirit, I am incredibly proud of Francis’s journey and the remarkable impact she continues to make. Her dedication goes far beyond the classroom. She consistently goes the extra mile for our learners, our parents, and our colleagues, embodying the values of service, innovation, and compassion. Her recognition at the National Teaching Awards is not just a personal triumph—it’s a celebration for our entire school community. It affirms that excellence can rise from humble beginnings, and that when educators lead with heart and purpose, they inspire transformation. Francis’s story reminds us that every child deserves a champion, and every school thrives when its teachers are empowered to lead boldly.”
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