Meet Nonkazimulo Mavundla. In October, she celebrates her seventh year as a Teacher Assistant at GCF’s Happy Days School. While she’s part of a dedicated education team at the centre, her primary responsibility is caring for children aged 3 to 4, including those with special needs.

Nonkazimulo’s passion for her work is evident in her eyes and her enthusiastic demeanor when discussing her experiences at GCF. She genuinely enjoys her role and the impact it has on young lives.

She vividly recounts how some of the children initially join her class as extremely shy, often withdrawn after being separated from their families and admitted to the centre. Over time, she watches them transform into active and talkative learners, just like their peers.

Drawing from her prior experience at another Early Childhood Development Centre in the community, Nonkazimulo adeptly recognizes how her current students’ often challenging backgrounds can influence their behaviour.

“I can see it when they are playing, especially how they let dolls fight with each other or how they interact with other children. Some of them harbour anger.”

Nonkazimulo goes on to explain,

“Happy Days is an extraordinary school. When we encounter challenges with certain children, such as sudden behavioural changes or conflicts, we have a support system in place. They receive therapy and consultations with a social worker, who delves into their situations to comprehend the underlying issues.”

Nonkazimulo’s daily responsibilities include planning lessons and activities, organising teaching materials, and maintaining a safe classroom environment. A typical school day incorporates diverse activities centred around specific themes, free play, storytime, puzzle-solving, and musical interludes.

The classroom walls are adorned with educational charts crafted by Nonkazimulo herself. These visuals aid in teaching various concepts like body parts, colours, shapes, numbers, and vehicles, making learning more engaging for the children. She encourages them to discuss the images and takes immense satisfaction in watching them gain confidence over time, sharing their newfound knowledge with their peers using these charts.

Nonkazimulo dreams of her young learners completing their education as they grow older, pursuing further studies, and ultimately achieving their aspirations. She also aspires to see them become inspirational figures for others who share similar backgrounds, motivating them never to lose hope.