There is a critical shortage of teachers in South Africa, particularly in the Early Childhood Development phase. If we, as a country, are to uplift the youth of South Africa, it makes sense to ensure that there is a specialised educational powerhouse of a workforce who are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a difference to their communities and students.
The LLC Academy therefore offers the Teach-A-Teacher (TAT) programme. “One of the greatest benefits of the Teach-A-Teacher programme is that it approaches the challenge of educating the teachers of South Africa from a number of different angles,” says Eileen Thornhill, Director of The LLC Academy, a 73.57% Black Owned Level 2 Designated Group Supplier that is Services SETA, QCTO and COMENSA accredited. “Student teachers are hosted in schools as assistant teachers, where they gain valuable practical experience while they study. Their studies are sponsored by companies seeking B-BBEE recognition for Skills Development spend on their scorecard, and our students achieve their teaching accreditation through distance learning.”
Currently in her fourth year of study for her bachelor’s degree in Teaching, Intermediate Phase at UNISA, Gladys Maselela, from Hammanskraal, from a village called Marokolong, is one such student, and one of many who have benefitted from The LLC Academy’s Teach-A-Teacher (TAT) programme. “2022 is my best year, because I am now so close to being a qualified teacher,” says Maselela. “The Teach-A-Teacher programme has changed my life – it’s a good opportunity to be studying and getting working experience of what I’m studying for.”
In addition to the Teach-A-Teacher programme, Maselela has also benefitted from Life Coaching and The LLC Academy’s Best Foot Forward programme. The Life Coaching programme enables our student teachers to learn about Emotional Intelligence, how to manage themselves and their relationships, and also about their personal brand that is visible to the world. The BFF programme in particular equips delegates with the workplace etiquette and behaviour that is required to help them to thrive in the ever-changing world of work, to put their Best Foot Forward into the world of work. “Through the Best Foot Forward programme, I have learned how to collaborate, communicate, and solve problems,” says Maselela. “This is really helped to boost my confidence.”
Maselela’s passion is helping her students to fall in love with reading. “I grew up in a village where there are no libraries – even my former primary school doesn’t have one,” says Maselela. “Learners spend most of their time at school; I want to be a mother, guardian, and a motivator to them. I want to help them develop the right values; the sense of self-worth that will help them face challenges in the years to come. In this way, I can help to make the world a better place.”
This desire to be a good role model in the community, to provide opportunities and change lives is a common thread echoed by the vast majority of students who benefit from the Teach-A-Teacher programme. “The students in our Teach-A-Teacher programme give me so much hope for the future of South Africa,” says Thornhill. “There is such a desire to not only grow and educate themselves, but to share that knowledge and deep sense of community with others. It is utterly inspirational.”
If you, too, see the immense benefit of educating the future teachers of South Africa to become inspirational community builders, speak to The LLC Academy today.