Parkview resident pens book about inspiring teachers at no-fee public schools
PARKVIEW – Local author Kimon Phitidis invites South Africans from all fields to self-evaluate and become can-do people.
Parkview resident Kimon Phitidis has released his first book, providing glimmers of light to the South African public education system.
He has achieved this by sharing stories of can-do teachers.
His book, Where light shines through, shares positive stories concerning 16 teachers at no-fee public schools from seven of the nine provinces.
Phitidis works as managing director of Social Innovations in Rosebank, a social investment agency delivering programmes that supplement public schooling and research that informs a better system.
“I felt despondent about the South African situation at the height of state capture, with the public service failing… I wanted to find another story about public officials delivering on the mandate,” said Phitidis.
He sought out the 16 teachers through the national teaching awards and visited each of them at their places of work across South Africa.
The book discusses the traits of can-do teachers. Phitidis outlines some of them saying, “More than anything, a can-do teacher cares; she harnesses her resilience and her willingness to evolve to make things happen despite the circumstances. This agency drives her to do the best for those in her care as she helps children imagine and realise their greatest possible selves.”
Phitidis believes attitude has the power to change the world. “It’s our attitude to life that brings meaning and purpose to life, and a life lived purposefully is a powerful tool with which to bring light to the narrative of darkness that sometimes envelops South African society.”
While many of the 16 teachers work in tough circumstances, they hold a resilient attitude and desire to see the betterment of their learners.
During his meeting with the Gazette, Phitidis highlighted the story of Ameera Khan who was booked off sick for three terms, but returned to work before it was necessary. She said that she couldn’t abandon or walk out on the children in her classroom. “I feel these kids really need someone to depend on. I always put them first.”
He also told of Wilton Phillips from Gansbaai who desires to level the playing field at his school. He took his learners to the JSE Investment Challenge in Sandton, teaching them university-level economics and finance to build them up for the competition, which they ended up winning against the odds.
Reflecting on his time writing the book, Phitidis said, “I look at myself and my role and now ask myself if I embody the characteristics of a can-do person. I have to self-evaluate.”
The book is available at Love Books or Exclusive Books or you can order it online on Amazon.
Details: www.socialinnovations.co.za
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