Penny Paterson. 59 years old
What are your tertiary education qualifications?
HED Senior Primary (four years) – Natal Teachers Training College.
HED Pre-Primary (one year) – UNISA. Head of Department, Foundation Phase – Drakensview Primary and Grade two educator.
What is the most rewarding part about being a teacher to young children?
Watching the children grow and develop into independent people.
If you had to choose, which two values would like to re-enforce into young women these days?
To be accountable, responsible and to make wise choices as there are always consequences, which have to be faced.
No-one is owed anything in life and nothing is free. It is up to you, as an individual, to shape your own destiny – learn from your mistakes and move on!
Who is your role model and why?
Can’t say that I have a role model – never thought of that before! I have always admired people who are able to stand for what they believe in and not be swayed by public opinion/peer pressure. Saying this, Archbishop Desmond Tutu comes to mind.
Why do you think it is important to celebrate Women’s Day?
All women ought to look back at the world wide history of the Women’s Rights Movement (from the very early days of the Suffragettes till now) and then rejoice that women have come so far!