Article by Linford Molaodi
TeaSterl’s international partners in teacher professional development and rural learners’ projects, Georgia State University (GSU) has for the first time visited Limpopo Province, TeaSterl director Linford Molaodi’s home land.
This was influenced by TeaSterl’s active commitments to enhancing educators’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infusion and supporting Limpopo’s rural learners. As part of Georgia State University passion into uplifting underprivileged schools and establishing academic relations SA’s institutions of higher learning, Dr Erica Bass-Flimmons and Sam Daniel visited various schools in Sekhukhune, Ga-Maja and Ga-Mothapo, and the University of Limpopo.
The international guests interact with Limpopo learners
The guests have had an opportunity to explore the Bapedi cultural practices by visiting Bakone Malapa Open Air Museum outside Polokwane.
The Georgia State University guests were welcomed by
Phuti Ragophala (AKA TechnoGranny): Retired educator, Worldwide renowned Microsoft Innovative Expert and Global Teacher Price Finalist.
Mokhudu Cynthia: Teacher at Ngwanamago Primary School, Microsoft Innovative Expert, and 2017 National Teachers Award Winner
Mabore Lekalakala: Teacher at Mapudithomo Primary School, Microsoft Innovative Expert, National Teachers Award Winner.
The GSU academics further met with the University of Limpopo’s First School of Health and School of Education to explore research collaboration.
Later in the evening, Dr Erica and Sam engaged in an untypical exploratory informal talks with Linford Molaodi’s former students and TeaSterl’s alumni at the university.
As asserted by Linford, this was significant in exposing the guests to different educational spheres and also motivating the students to show that even though they are out of high school, the TeaSterl still has their back. The tour included visiting malls around Polokwane, Peter Mokaba Stadium where they interacted with local team Black Leopards and visiting communities.
Finally, Linford drove the guests to Mpumalanga Province, Witbank, the home town of TeaSterl’s vice director, Thobile Nkosi. This visit was intended at discussing teacher-exchange program between SA and USA which Thobile and Erica shall coordinate from next year 2019. This program is open to all educators in South Africa and interested bodies may contact TeaSterl team.