Kamalinee Primary School bade a fond farewell to Kanchan Jeena (62), who has taught at the school for a phenomenal 34 years.
The grade 2 teacher graduated at the Transvaal College of Education in 1972 and did a one year stint at Greyville Primary School in Johannesburg.
After marrying Jagdish, she relocated to Overport and took up a teaching position at Kamalinee.
“Teaching little ones has been very rewarding,” she said. “I will miss them. I love being with them and interacting with them. They are very loving and I will miss the hugs from them. They show so much affection.”
In her retirement Kanchan wants to spend more time with her grandchildren, Kareena and Keeran, who reside in Manchester in the UK with her daughter Reshma, a medical doctor, and Darsheel, who lives in Durban with her daughter Disha, a chartered accountant.
“Teaching at Kamalinee has had a lot of challenges, with the social and economic problems of the area. I’ve always been enthusiastic about interacting with the children’s lives and kept busy with the many activities at the school.
Over the many years, I have seen many changes in teaching and especially the children. Before children were more settled, but now there is a lot of instability. We have helped by counselling them, fundraising for the more destitute and making contact with the many organisations that help children.”
Kanchan is so passionate about working with and helping little ones, she wants to do volunteer services at a children’s home, like Manor Gardens, which is close to her heart.
“When it comes to children, I’m always there to help. Leaving Kamalinee has been hard, but I feel fulfilled I have served the community.”
