A mother’s love knows no bounds, and although not the biological mom to the many children who attend Protec at Tongaat, Anna Mkhize treats each child as if they were her own.

A career enrichment programme which promotes math, science and technological literacy, Protec is attended by pupils in grade 10, 11 and 12.

Employed as assistant manager, Anna has for the past 26 years ensured that the educational content and methodology of their programmes remains appropriate and consistent.

Most importantly, Anna has taken countless children under her wing.

A Tongaat local, Anna said she was familiar with the conditions in which many of their students live, many of whom have single parents who have not had the opportunity to study at tertiary level and cannot give their own children the advice they need.

That is where Anna comes in: a structure of support and a tremendous wealth of knowledge armed with motherhood behind her.

“From the time they join us up until they reach their final year, we notice their potential and encourage them to work hard. It is heart-warming to see the progress each learner makes right before our very eyes,” she said.

A biological mother of two, Anna remains committed to ensuring her ‘foster children’ reach their dreams and that she is proud to have played a role in each of their lives.

She has stayed in contact with many of Protec’s former students, who to this day come to her for advice.

“That is evidence enough for me that I have left a mark.”

From inception, Protec was designed as a 10-year programme which sees matriculants offered to join the Post School Programme, and the Alumni Programme.

“I feel proud when these young engineers, doctors, technicians and such graduate and are successfully placed in the working world.”

“We are like a family at Protec. Students remain part of the Protec programme even when they leave and most of them stay in touch.”

Those that do not, she often bumps into around town and loves to hear how successful they have become in life.

“I just stand there thinking to myself: how the time flies!”