Allow me to say farewell and express thanks and appreciation to all stakeholders, well-wishers, friends and family who assisted and supported me in my 39-year career as an educator at ML Sultan Primary School and Forderville Primary School.
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My career as an educator began in 1980 at ML Sultan Primary School Estcourt. I was the sports master and had great success with my soccer and athletic teams.
I taught English, Afrikaans, geography and physical education. In 1981, I joined FOSA and made home visits, monitoring TB patients. I was also the chairperson of Teachers Association of South Africa-Estcourt Branch where I was mentored by the late Pat Samuel, a legend in teacher unions.
In 1981 a group of my friends headed by Roy Harrynarain got together and launched the Drakensberg Ex-students Society (DESS). We raised funds for local charities, supported natural disasters, provided sports equipment to local schools and raised funds to send deserving learners to college and university.
Many learners who are very successful today were assisted by our organisation. In 1985, I got married and was transferred to Forderville Primary School.
Forderville Primary was an excellent school managed by hard working principals and educators. Mr R Deonundhan (former principal of Drakensberg Secondary and FordervillePrimary) was a mentor and a role-model to me.
I have cherished every moment being an educator and Principal at Forderville Primary. Yes, there were challenges. Challenges were learning experiences, which made me stronger.
I will leave with the satisfaction of knowing that I am leaving a school that is well resourced, has an excellent history of learning and teaching and is manned by hard working and dedicated educators.
With the support of the School Governing Body, educators and community, I was able to make significant improvements to the school:
• An athletic track sponsored by National Lottery became a reality in 2003.
• A school hall was officially opened by Mr Tony Venton in 2005.
• Grade R and computer classes began in 2000.
• A boundary pre-cast wall sponsored by Masonite was erected. Razor wire around the whole school.
• Six offices for Heads of Department were built.
• Four water tanks were installed.
• A vegetable garden was started.
• The pre-school playground and eating area was completed.
• CCTV and an intercom system were installed.
• Staffroom was revamped.
• Combination courts sponsored by the Department of Sport and Recreation.
• School entrance was improved.
• SAI Medical Clinic.
Learning and teaching was my priority. Learners proceeding to secondary school made us proud of their achievements.
Learners performed well in internal and external assessments. The pass rate was always above 95 percent. The school was a top performer in the Uthukela District GET awards.
As a school, we provided opportunities for learner teachers to improve their skills. We supported learners from UNISA, UKZN, Varsity College and University of Potchefstroom.
Our school hall was used as a venue by the Uthukela District to empower and develop thousands of educators. Many of our current educators are teaching and studying.
All our Heads of Department and Deputy Principal were promoted from within the school over the years. Our performance at the National Teaching Awards was exceptional to say the least.
Mrs Sookraj, Mrs P Chotoo, Foundation Phase team and Mr AB Sookraj represented Kwa-Zulu-Natal at the National Teaching Awards in Gauteng. Mrs P Chotoo and Mrs A Sookraj were placed second nationally in their respective categories.
Mr AB Sookraj was volunteer of the year in Kwa-Zulu Natal and runner up to Canada in the Global Spirit of Relay Awards in the volunteer category.
As an educator at the school, I founded and facilitated the Estcourt Scout and Guide Group, Aquarius Swimming Club, Managed the Phutu Festival, was Event Chair for 10 CanSA Relays, hosted nine Christmas Night Markets, co-founded Forderville Athletic club and managed the senior citizens.
As a caring and giving school, we supported many charities and needy cases such as CanSA Relay, Estcourt Hospice, Animal Shelter and Kwazamokuhle School.
The words of William Penn motivate me and I quote: ‘I SHALL PASS THIS WAY ONCE. THEREFORE ANY GOOD OR KINDNESS I CAN SHOW TO MY FELLOW CREATURES, LET ME DO IT NOW. LET ME NOT DEFER OR NEGLECT IT, FOR I SHALL NEVER PASS THIS WAY AGAIN.’
I have to thank every individual who made my stay at Forderville Primary School a pleasant, enjoyable and enriching one.
Mrs G Narainsamy will act as Principal, ably supported the school management team comprising of Mrs P Sewnun, Mrs A Sookraj, Mrs MD Bansilall and Mrs S Ramkissoon, until the post is advertised and filled.
I will miss the small learners calling me…..’Big Sir’, I will miss the friendship and close relationships we formed over the years, I will miss you all.
I spent more than half my life at the school… so this parting is not easy. Special thanks to the educators and School Governing Body for the memorable and emotional farewell given to me on February 27.
I hope that you will be blessed with good health, happiness, love and peace. Remember success is a by-product of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. Goodbye, may Forderville Primary School grow from strength to strength.
AB Sookraj
Principal
READ MORE: Drakensberg Ex-Students Society bid farewell to Anil Sookraj
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