MANCOSA showcases the impact of teachers at an exclusive VIP celebration

While the rest of the world embraces technology-based learning models and their integration into conventional teaching models, South Africa has always praised and celebrated the efforts of its teachers, who have made and continue to make an invaluable difference to the country.

“Our father of democracy, the late Nelson Mandela, once said education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. This ideal and the ambitions of MANCOSA’s founder, Dr Professor Yusuf Karodia, became the cornerstones of the MANCOSA School of Education (SOE). We feel strongly about teachers’ impact on learners and the communities they serve. To celebrate this, the SOE made its 2024 celebration of World Teachers Day an event to remember,” said Dr Michael Naidoo: SOE School Manager.

A skills development upgrade

Schools from across KwaZulu Natal were invited to nominate teachers from their school who they felt met the criteria of teachers making a significant impact on their learners and their communities. These teachers were invited to a VIP event on 26 October which was hosted by MANCOSA. At the event, attendees received skills development training hosted and facilitated by MANCOSA.

“While the human-based teaching model is still very much a significant part of the national education narrative, we cannot ignore the impact of technology and the fact that South African schools will need to continuously integrate tech-based models into their curriculum. As a tertiary education provider that integrated technology into everything it does, MANCOSA felt it was in the perfect position to grow the skill set of some of South Africa’s key educators,” says Dr Naidoo.

Local focus

Dr Naidoo points out that the event was previously a nationwide celebration. For the 2024 edition, MANCOSA decided to focus on schools in KwaZulu Natal to trial the skills development component.

“MANCOSA has a national footprint with offices in Cape Town and Gauteng. Previous World Teachers Day Celebrations involved visiting three schools in the regions. This year, we are inviting teachers, selected for the Teacher of the Year award, to our Durban campus, for a prestigious event. . We hope to extend this model nationally as we believe teachers make the greatest impact when equipped with internationally recognised skills,” says Dr Naidoo.

Influencing the South African education narrative

Paresh Soni, Academic Director: Schools and Programme Leadership, feels that MANCOSA is making a difference to the South African education narrative through the SOE.

The MANCOSA School of Education (SOE) is actively working to make the teaching profession more attractive to high school graduates through several initiatives to address both the challenges and the rewards of a career in education. The curriculum at MANCOSA SOE emphasises developing 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, digital literacy, and collaborative learning. This ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of modern classrooms and are equipped with the skills needed for lifelong learning. The curriculum also provides valuable practical information on how to provide quality education in under-resourced schools.

MANCOSA SOE integrates the latest educational technologies into its programmes, teaching students how to use digital tools and platforms effectively. This enhances their teaching practice and aligns with the interests of tech-savvy high school graduates keen to work in a modern, technology-driven environment. The modern iTEACHlab in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg provides further opportunities for students to engage in 21st-century technology. The MANCOSA SOE offers flexible learning options which allow students to study at their own pace and balance their education with other commitments. This flexibility particularly appeals to high school graduates who may be balancing part-time work or other responsibilities.

By providing accessible and affordable education options, MANCOSA SOE reduces the financial barriers that often deter potential teachers from pursuing a degree. Scholarships, bursaries, and payment plans are also available to support students financially. The SOE emphasises the importance of lifelong learning by offering courses endorsed by the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for continuous professional development. Graduates are encouraged to engage in ongoing training and upskilling, which enhances their career prospects and keeps them motivated and engaged in their profession.