With the COVID-19 pandemic creating challenges and causing a strain for many South African teachers and learners student teacher Vuyelwa Gqibisana is still determined to play her part in uplifting her community through education. Gqibisana is a Grade R Teachers Assistant at Phehello Primary School Zone 14 in Sebokeng. She is currently doing her Diploma in Grade R teaching with SANTS Private Higher Education Institution. She says being at Phehello has motivated her to further her studies and she was inspired by the school principal, Mr Makoatsane. “Phehello Primary School has given me the foundation and experience to know how to work with the other teachers, interact with the parents and get the most out of each learner. The school offers quality education to its learners, from grade R to grade 7. We have good resources, including a library, as well as an LSE class that is a learner support class for learners with special needs,” Vuyelwa adds. “My dream is to be in a position where I can use education as a tool to influence people and bridge the gap between theory and practice. I also want to open an LSE Centre to assist learners with special needs.” Vuyelwa believes that becoming a teacher gives people the opportunity and privilege of making an impact in communities by providing the next generation with the tools and knowledge to form their own opinions and contributions. “My teaching philosophy is to never give up on a learner. I always make sure that I develop every learner according to their potential and acknowledge that they are different by accepting them for who they are. I also allow learners to express themselves truly but in an acceptable way that will help them understand who they are,” she says. This student teacher from Sebokeng is also part of the LLC Academy Teach-a-Teacher (TAT) programme. This programme addresses youth unemployment, as well as the critical shortage of qualified ECD practitioners, by providing a year of funded education and valuable work experience to deserving unemployed South Africans who cannot afford to study. The TAT programme can also help corporate companies score points on their B-BBEE scorecard by sponsoring a student teacher for a year. “When I first stepped into the LLC Academy offices I was welcomed with so much love, warmth and respect. The LLC Academy is opening doors and helping people fulfil their dreams through this amazing programme. Without their assistance and the help of TETRA PAK, who is my sponsor, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” concludes Vuyelwa.