A teacher from Elsies River, whom TygerBurger recently published an article after winning the provincial teacher’s awards, has gone one step further and was named second runner up at the national teacher’s awards.
Dillon Henwood is a teacher at Elnor Primary in an impoverished and gang-ridden part of Elsies River, but this has not hamper him in being the best teacher he could be.
Pioneering and dedicated
In the motivation received from the national education department Henwood is described as a young, pioneering and dedicated intermediate and senior phase teacher. “His school is situated in the poverty-stricken area of Elsies River in the Cape Flats region. Mr Henwood delves into the world of each learner and goes beyond the call of duty to ensure that quality education ensues. He maintains that constructive learning is shaped by a variety of psychological, social, and contextual aspects which need to be duly considered when teaching. His chief focus has been to improve learners’ access to curricular content by addressing mitigating and contextual factors that impinge on academic progress. Mr Henwood has poured himself into starting a feeding programme and food garden at school that serve approximately 400 meals per day to vulnerable learners and community members,” reads the motivation.
He is a legend
The school’s principal, Mark Agulhas, describes Henwood as a legend of the school. “We are proud about Henwood’s achievement. He is an amazing individual, has a heart for the community, goes beyond the call of duty and sets a standard for others to follow. We are blessed to have him as part of the Elnor school community. We admire his commitment and passion for education,” says Agulhas.
An absolute honour
Henwood says he is humbled by the award. “Receiving this reward is an absolute honour. It serves as confirmation that I’m on the right track and that my investment in our learners is recognised and appreciated. At the ceremony it, it was also an immense privilege to be surrounded and inspired by the best teachers in South Africa. I maintain that teachers are life-long learners and a prestigious award should not incite a perception that one has arrived. Instead this reward has stiffened my resolve to continue being the best teacher I can possibly be,” says Henwood.
