A Tribute

The most influential teachers I had in School were my mom and a Mrs Matthee. My mom taught me to love reading and value creativity. Now I have two degrees. Thanks Mom! Mrs Matthee was special for a very simple reason: she praised me in front of my parents. She was the first teacher I ever had who did this, and it made a massive difference in my life. That year (grade 7) was the first year I ever received anything at a prize-giving. By the time I hit matric, my academic life had turned full circle. I received general honours and was deputy head boy. I thank these two wonderful ladies for that.

But this article isn't about me or them. It's about another special lady. I only mention my story as an example of what a truly superior teacher can mean in the life of a child. The lady that this article is in tribute to, is Mrs Elize Botes. She and her husband are leaving Piet Retief so that he can persue a new career situation. She will be sorely missed. She will never be forgotten.

In the greater Mkhondo area, Mrs Botes has been responsible for establishing many rural schools. She has been involved in the lives of the learners in these areas as well as the teachers. All of these schools are still running today. Mrs Botes has also acted as HOD of the foundation phaze and the preschool of Maranatha and has spent many afternoons working one on one with children who needed a little extra help, at no cost to their parents. And this help has not failed to yield a harvest. A certain child comes to mind. In a normal school, this child would have recieved a label ("learning-impaired due to prenatal trauma") and would have sat silently in the back of the class, being condoned every year and watching his self-worth crumble to dust. But not in Mrs Botes' class. With the necessary extra effort, this child achieved a platinum award in the "Conquesta Maths" exam, which is an externally set and marked test. This is no small achievement.

I have watched Mrs Botes this last year and been amazed at her work ethic; her humilty; and her wisdom. When I grow up, I want to be like her.