Noblene notches up ECD accolade
WENTWORTH’S own Noblene Boyles has become a shining star of the community, receiving her matric certificate at the age of 50 and being named Absa’s best early childhood development (ECD) practitioner in KZN.
Boyles, who has six years’ experience as an ECD worker at Little David Educare, was humbled by her new title and said she owed much of her success to the people around her. Earlier this year, she successfully completed the matric certificate, with distinction and several awards, on top of her numerous other ECD qualifications and skills certificates.
She accepted the title of best ECD practitioner on behalf of all ECD workers in Wentworth and said: “A victory for one is a victory for all ECD workers in Wentworth and KZN.” With the award, she was given a kit of educational storybooks and a bag of dolls for Little David and is automatically entered into the national ECD awards.
She thanked God for her daily good health and energy and her supportive family who helped her through the difficult times. She also gave much of the credit to Little David principal, Pearl Windvogel. “Mediocre is not accepted at Little David, the principal constantly inspires us to become teachers of excellence. This is why the crèche is now being assisted by Save the Children to become a centre of excellence, which will serve all crèches throughout the community.
I’m also thankful to the Wentworth Crèche Forum (WCF). They motivated me and pushed each of us to a much higher level and they have lobbied and negotiated for opportunities for us. It is the WCF who profiled my achievements and helped to develop and build me up. They have created a sisterhood of ECD women who are supportive of each other.”
Special recognition was given to Mari van der Merwe, director of Save the Children and Gail Richards from the WCF. Also thanked were Mawi Hlengiwe Makhanya-Mhlongo from the Department of Education, Lulekha Mlakalaka and Geraldine Gob from the Department of Social Development and Eurakha Singh of the South Durban Basin Area Based Management office.
“Our dream has always been to support women and to leave a rich legacy for the children of Wentworth and our dreams are slowly being realised. This award serves as a huge incentive to this very neglected sector,” said Gail Richards.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za
