Former Glen Austin House learner, now a teacher at the school, Thalitha Nkuna said her love for children propelled her into teaching although it was not her first choice.

Nkuna teaches the newly established foundation phase at the school. She holds a Bachelor of Education: Intermediate and Senior phase from Varsity College Waterfall, which she completed in 2022 and volunteered for a year at Sedi-Laka Primary School in 2023.

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“Teaching was not my first option because I wanted to study to be a technological physiologist. During a career consultation, I was advised to do either a Bachelor of Arts in journalism or education but I decided to go with education because I love kids.”

She hoped to grow as a teacher, gain more qualifications and perhaps assume the role of a head of department one day.

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“I am thankful to the school for nurturing me and now I hope to impart that knowledge to the young ones. However, with foundation phase learners it is difficult because they like playing but as teachers, we find ways to incorporate their academic work and playing. I need to help all learners equally the same way I was also taught by my former teachers.”

Glen Austin House welcomed Nkuna on their Facebook page and wrote: “She is our former matriculant and has a strong heritage with the school. You left the school, studied, gained experience and six years later we welcome you with open arms as a fully qualified and experienced foundation phase educator.”

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