TeaSterl projects, a unique rural-learner and teacher-oriented support NPO does it again this year.
TeaSterl (Teaching on a Shoe-String, e Technology and Reciprocal Learning) is a strategic organization; specifically designed to empower learners on career development and enhance teachers’ pedagogical practices through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).
The 5 years old organization headed by a multi-award winning teacher, Linford Molaodi is known to high school learners in rural villages for its unique and intensive career development. To the teachers; this body of active citizens is associated with “authentic teacher professional development,” their fundamental phrase that emphasizes teacher training programs that are relevant and worthwhile to educators.
In this year’s Annual Career Development Camp; the organization had a lot to celebrate.
2019 marked a year in which TeaSterl reached 5 years of its existence; formally adopted a school that will receive full services without payments; opened first branch in Kwa-Zulu Natal; third of formal relationship with Georgia State University; second year of having international presence; first year of Ambassadorship and volunteering internship programs.
TeaStel further remained proud of its versatility and commitment towards responding to the needs of modern society.
In the past few years South African Communities have experienced excruciating social ills, ranging from violence (in schools, at home, in the society),
domestic abuse, unemployment, etc. TeaSterl has then taken a position to realize that most of these issues have something to do with self-awareness and personality traits.
As a matter of fact, the organisation has always emphasized that Community Development projects or Communities of practices do not have to stay the same. They need to change in response to the needs of societies they serve.
In response to these issues, TeaSterl has shifted from its content-focused activities to the empowering of human intelligence.
The core slogan was “empowering Responsible, Accountable and Active Citizens.” This was unpacked throughout our 4 days of engagement with learners during the 2019 camp hosted for Rebone Seconday School in Limpopo Sekhukhune District). The 2019 camp aimed at:
- Building and empower responsible, accountable and active young girls and boys.
- Exposing earners to different career fields through authentic engagements with different bodies.
- building confidence through communication skills.
These aims were successfully achieved through collegiality and hard work invested by the local and international team:
- Linfor Molaodi: Executive Director.
- Xolisa Nomtshibe: Camp Coordinator and Programs director.
- Johannes Mafalo: Facilitator and School adoption coordinator.
- Ntokozo Mdletshe: KZN Branch manager.
- Nancy Masha: Facilitator and financial officer.
- Pearl Langa: Ambassador and social media coordinator.
- Ingrid Mashala: Ambassador.
- Mpho Chidi: Ambassor.
- Anisha Mosehla: Volunteering intern.
- Yvonne Maleka: Volunteering Intern.
International team.
- Dr. Julie Washington – Georgia State University (Georgia State).
- Dr. Ryan Lee James – Adelphi University (New York).
- Dr. Stacey Wallen – Georgia State University (Georgia State).
Guests from different organisations and institutions:
- Dr. Andries DuPlessis – University of Mpumalanga (Siyabuswa).
- Boiketlo Monama – BCom Informatics, University of Pretoria.
- Phenyo Koka- B.Ed (University of Kwa-Zulu Natal), Teacher, 19th National Teaching Award Winner: Excellence in Primary School Teaching and Learning.
- Vincent Monama – Computer Science, University of Johannesburg and TeaSterl alumni.
- Aldonia Sekonya – Legal Assistance, Tshwane University of Technology.
- Matebogo Lethole – Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria.
- Mack Mogale- B.Ed student (Fourth year), University of Johannesburg.
- Maeketsa Mafokeng – B.Ed student (Fourth year), University of Johannesburg and Chairperson of Edu-Community.
- Prudence Mohau – Marketing Coordinator, University of Johannesburg.
- Pebetse Ntjipana – Bopedi Hope Foundation.
- Mongezi Mhlanga – Gauteng Department of Social Development Men’s Forum.
- Thimothy Manganye – Gauteng Department of Social Development Men’s Forum.
- Khutjo Mmamosebo –BCom Accountinggraduate, University of Free State.
- Tilly Rikhotso – B.Ed student (thirdyear), University of Free State and TeaSterl alumni.
- IngridMasemola – N.Dip Human Resources student, Sekhukhune TVET college.
This camp was one of its kind and received remarkable compliments from the headmaster of the school, Mr David Makgoga; the learners; School Governing Body; organisations and higher education institutions that were present. TeaSterl is currently preparing for its 2020 Camps, One in KZN and the other in Limpopo. It is on the organisation’s plans to adopt one school per province annually. To keep abreastof TeaSterl’s work, follow their Facebook page at TeaSterl projects.
