Young Umthambeka student takes learners under her wing

The Tembisan wants to make education fashionable because it believes that every child should have the right to learn and get a quality education.

Despite all odds, the Tembisan Community wants to trend among the top townships in terms of Education.

Tiisetso Mrali (20) is a young girl from Umthambeka Section. She hails from Mpumalanga but moved to Tembisa when she was two years old.

She said she started primary school at Phuthumani Primary School and completed her matric at Jiyane Secondary School in 2015.

Tiisetso said she is currently a student of Unisa where she is studying BA in Education. Tiisetso said she reads in her spare time.

Tiisetso Mrali said she was a coach at the Mzansi Spelling Bee Competition in Tembisa.

She said she dealt with three schools, namely Umqhele, Winnie Mandela and Ivory Park Secondary.

“My role was to teach learners to read, spell and pronounce words correctly in public. I specifically assisted learners from Grade Eight to Grade Eleven.

I introduced new English words to the learners on a daily basis and made them know the origin of the words as well,” said Tiisetso.

As the coach she made sure that all the learners were prepared and confident before entering the competitions.

She said the challenges were not too great as learners from different schools got to know one another.

“I coached twelve learners from different schools. I would make them compete against one another every week.

I worked and convinced them to believe in themselves. I think I managed to build their self-esteem.

I could tell that I had well organised and disciplined learners,” said Tiisetso.

She said to teach learners to spell words is part of her career. Tiisetso said she was invited by the co-ordinator of the Mzansi Spelling Bee Competition to be part of the programme.

“Even if the winner was not one of my learners, I think I nailed it because the learners appreciated what I have done for them. I think I made an impact in their lives,” said Tiisetso.

She said to become a Spelling Bee coach you need to read and be familiar with English words.

Tiisetso said talking to learners in their preferred language and being open-minded made them feel comfortable.

“You should not allow the learners’ behaviour to pull you down as a coach. Be patient with them all the time to make them all feel special,” said the young coach. She said the support she received from the learners’ parents was unbelievable.

Tiisetso said she would like to continue coaching learners because the future of this country rests in the hands of the youth.

“The community should be more involved in educational projects to improve the educational system in townships. I encourage the youth to partake and make education fashionable,” Tiisetso added.

She said education is the most powerful weapon against all barriers in life.