Annelisa Liebenberg (57) is a teacher who has always had a soft spot for learners with learning difficulties, often dedicating her teaching service to equipping them with the tools to succeed in school.

Annelisa taught at Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck for 26 years before founding her own independent school, Anne-Zelle Micro School, alongside her husband in 2019. This year, she underwent an intensive three-week training to prepare for her exciting new role as the new leader of the Tina Cowley Springs branch.

Tina Cowley is a reading centre that offers specialised reading and literacy programmes for children. Annelisa is taking over from Elna Brand, who is retiring after leading the centre in Geduld for the past 22 years. The centre will now operate in Petersfield.

“It’s a huge responsibility and I want the kids to feel safe with me, too. I will be filling up big shoes, as Elna did an excellent job. I see this as a challenge that I am ready to tackle,” she said.

Annelisa holds a teaching diploma and a diploma in minimal brain dysfunction. She added that she hopes to build the learners’ confidence through her new role.

“When the learners initially come to you, their self-esteem is often low. When they start improving and learning, you start to notice their growing confidence,” she said.

Annelisa stressed the importance of educators understanding that every learner is different and should be taught at their own pace.

“I want to send learners out into the world knowing that they can read, study, and understand what they read so that one day they can have a proper job. Children who struggle with these skills often do not get the same opportunities in life and that shouldn’t be the case,” Annelisa said.

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