The end of last year I was really worried about one of the girls whom I taught. It seemed that she was bent on throwing her future away. It was as if the hurt that she felt made her reckless. Her guardian though, committed to provide her with a good, safe space to come to terms with her hurt. And so, I was amazed at the girl that returned after the holidays. Her clothes, hair and attitude all proclaimed a greater peace. She is now even helping others with their work. Thank you, Mamma for your wise love and care.
Last week I started assessing the kids who the Grade 1 teachers identified as those who, with a little bit of help, would be able to learn the skills needed to pass Grade 1. It is nice to work with those who are eager to learn and loves a challenge. Their eyes have a brightness. Then you also get those who just lacked the stimulation, but will with a little bit of discipline get there. The hardest to work with are those who have come to believe that they can't. With them, every, however small, success, needs to be celebrated, magnified and poured into their soul, with a teacher's praise of the mouth and belief in the eyes. This might take time, but what beautiful flowers will the soil so watered produce.
The good news that I received from Patensie and Jeffreys Bay is that the tutoring of last year were successful. Parents are happy! The tutors are therefore encouraged and passionate to continue helping more children. I trust that this will also happen with the people I am training here in Cradock this year.
