LIMPOPO – A Gr 4 teacher at Mariadze Primary School in Mashau, who has dedicated herself to helping learners with various abilities and disabilities, received the Champion of the Province Award during the Provincial National Teacher Awards held at The Ranch Resort outside Polokwane on August 21.

Avhasei Raphalalani has been working to support learners with various abilities and disabilities at her school.

From school nomination to provincial champion

Recognising her commitment to educating learners, the school nominated her to participate in the National Teacher Awards at the Vhembe district level.

She was subsequently nominated at circuit level to compete with other teachers at the Vhembe district level, where she emerged as a finalist.

Raphalalani received the award for excellence in special teaching in the primary school teaching category.

Off to nationals

She will now represent Limpopo in the same competition against teachers from other provinces later this month, at a venue yet to be announced.

“This competition is a motivation to me. It takes the fear of the unknown out of my profession. I have achieved all this because of my commitment, dedication and time. I urge other teachers to work very hard to ensure that our learners receive the quality education they deserve,” she said.

The secret to her success

Raphalalani thanked the Department of Education for initiating the competition.

Speaking to CV, she said the secret behind her success was hard work, teamwork, networking and proper time management.

“I never procrastinate, and I make friends with people whom I know I can learn from. I visit other schools to learn how they work, so that I can use the knowledge to benefit my learners.”

She always makes sure that she is accessible to her learners.