FOR the last 37 years, the rapid sound of chalk against the blackboard and the explanations of complex mathematical problems were constants in Na-eim Fredericks’ classroom at Fairvale Secondary School. He began his teaching career at the school in 1989 and has since dedicated over 37 years to teaching learners, establishing himself as a giant in the mathematics department, but now he is preparing to conclude this significant professional chapter of his life.

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Fredericks’ career is distinguished by his singular dedication to Fairvale Secondary School. Unlike many teachers whose careers see them move between schools, Fredericks remained at Fairvale for his entire teaching tenure.

Journeying in education 

However, teaching was not his initial career aspiration. Fredericks had started studying a Bachelor of Science degree at the old University of Durban Westville campus but not long after dropped out.

“I could not envision myself in that career. After dropping out, I decided to work for my cousin in construction where I spent a couple of months,” he said.

It was Fredericks father, Abdul, who urged Fredericks to pursue a career in teaching.

“I owe my career to my father, had it not been for him and his support, I would not be celebrating the achievements that I am today,” said Fredericks. 

Deciding when to stop

The decision to leave was not an easy one for Fredericks. 

“The sense of commitment to the work made it difficult to determine the right time to stop. Ultimately, physical demands and health considerations influenced my choice to step down,” he said.

Fredericks said that the personal connection with his learners is the aspect of the job he will find hardest to leave behind. During his time as a teacher, Fredericks has taught three different generations of learners. 

A career defined by passion

Reflecting on his tenure, Fredericks admitted to occasional periods of doubt and whether he had been making a positive impact in the learners’ lives.

“The love that I have received over the past few weeks, is proof to me enough that I have made some sort of impact on these children,” he said. 

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Even in retirement, he does not intend to leave education entirely. He plans to transition into a less rigorous schedule that includes private tutoring for learners who need assistance, balancing this with a need for rest after years of working.

The school principal, Sean Conway, who entered the school around the same time as Fredericks, said that Fredericks was definitely going to be missed among staff and learners. 

“To work alongside Fredericks for these years has been to stand in the shadow of a giant, and to be better for it. He leaves Fairvale with a 100% pass rate not as a trophy, but as a testimony. Fredericks is the soul we will spend the next generation trying to match. On behalf of every learner, every colleague, every wall of this school that heard your voice, thank you. May your retirement be as rich, as purposeful, and as blessed as the lives you have touched. We salute you,” said Conway. 

As Fairvale Secondary School bids farewell to one of its longest-serving teachers, Fredericks leaves behind far more than lesson plans and examination results. He departs having touched the lives of many young people.

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