Meet Theresa Giorza, Mimosa Pre-primary and Foundation Phase School’s new principal.

She has been part of the Auckland Park-based school, which is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, for a month. Giorza has spent four decades shaping the landscape of arts-based education. Beginning her career as an art teacher in Harare in the early 1980s, she went on to work across schools, universities, NGOs, and community organisations – always with one constant thread: belief in the transformative power of creativity in learning.

Read more: Mimosa School celebrates Korean Year of the Snake

Her professional journey includes teaching at Sacred Heart College during a pivotal era of educational change, contributing to major curriculum development initiatives, and playing key roles within community arts programmes. This journey ultimately inspired her to pursue postgraduate studies at Wits University, where she completed both a master’s and a PhD in Education with a focus on early childhood learning.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Theresa Giorza introduces herself and the school she will now be a vital member of, Mimosa Pre-primary School, in Auckland Park. Video: Neo Phashe #Mimosa #Northcliff ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

Today, Giorza is recognised for her commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach, a child-centred philosophy that emphasises collaboration, inquiry, documentation, and the importance of environment in shaping learning.

Also read: 10 Reasons why you need Mimosa Networks in your business

In our upcoming print edition, we explore Giorza’s remarkable path in greater depth – from her early years in Zimbabwe to her research-driven approach to preschool education, and her ongoing dedication to nurturing spaces where children can think, create, and flourish.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!