Christel House South Africa (CHSA) commemorated World Teachers‘ Day by shining a spotlight on the important role teachers play in supporting children who face challenges beyond the classroom.
Many learners at the non-profit, no-fee school in Ottery come from communities where poverty, crime, violence and substance abuse are everyday realities, said school spokesperson Megan Losper.
Trauma-informed approach
She explained that these experiences could have a profound impact on a child’s emotional well-being, behaviour and ability to learn.
Recognising that children could not reach their full academic potential without feeling safe, supported and understood, CHSA took a trauma-informed approach to teaching and learning, she added.
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This meant teachers were equipped to recognise how trauma could affect learners and responded with empathy, patience and understanding, creating a classroom environment where children felt safe, valued and ready to learn.
This World Teachers’ Day the teachers who did more than teach lessons were celebrated, Losper explained. World Teachers’ Day is held annually to honour and celebrate the work of teachers around the globe.
Self belief
Teachers help children believe in themselves and what they can achieve, regardless of their circumstances, Losper added.
Anita Mfubesi, who has been a teacher for seven years and worked as a junior school teacher at CHSA, shared: “Being a teacher at Christel House South Africa meant to inspire curiosity, ignite potential, and shape the future one student at a time. It was far more than delivering a lesson; it was about being a steady guide, a compassionate mentor and a believer in someone else’s capabilities.”
Amy Abrahams, who has been a teacher for 10 years and taught at the high school at CHSA, reflected: “Being a teacher at Christel House has meant more than teaching. It meant believing in my learners, inspiring them to dream bigger and knowing that every day I had the opportunity to make a difference.”
Teachers are also supported by a dedicated team of nurses, counsellors and social workers who help learners navigate emotional, psychological and social challenges.
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