In February we kicked off the year with a splash, quite literally by jumping into the aquadome at the Emerald Resort!
“It’s not every year we throw a party in the first week of term,” said Programme Director, Jabu Thomo, “but with the Omicron wave last December the health of our tutors and staff took priority. On 4 February we gathered to celebrate the successes of 2021 and welcome our new cohort of education assistants. We spent part of the day explaining the roles and responsibilities that lay ahead, sharing skills related to the classrooms, and then followed the feasting and festivities. The combination of onboarding and retrospective celebration offered an incentive to all our tutors from Sasolburg, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg to make 2022 our best year yet.”
A few of our tutors shared what they most enjoyed about the day, their learning, and their hopes for the year.
Lindelani learns job skills
Lindelani Mushiana (33) a tutor at Bovet Primary shared that it was a great experience in a peaceful environment. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the JumpStart tutors and management team. Lindelani learned about opportunities to further her own learning and gain on-the-job training. “I learned the details of my contract. This was a good opportunity to grow my knowledge base and improve job skills. I’m excited to be more effective in the workplace after this training. This year, I want to learn better cooperation and to complete JumpStart’s mission,” she said.
Nthabeleng wants to help children love maths
Nthabeleng Motaung (20) enjoyed meeting tutors from other schools in the programme as well as deepening relationships with fellow tutors at Theha Setjhaba Primary School. She said, “The day equipped me with more knowledge about teaching and COVID protocols, and I discovered how UIF works. Another important learning was how the JumpStart team supports tutors if they experience any mental health challenges or need other assistance.” This year, Nthabeleng looks forward to helping children love and understand mathematics. She also highlighted the excellent catering at the dinner!
Amos meets the inspirational JumpStart women
Amos Tshidiso Mofokeng (33), a tutor at Nelson Mandela Primary School enjoyed meeting members of the management team. He said, “To be able to put faces to the names I’ve seen in WhatsApp groups and email chains was a big highlight! I’m inspired to see how many of the team are women, and many of them are studying and working. Malefu’s story of qualifying as a teacher with a StudyAssist bursary is particularly inspiring. I’ve set my heart on emulating her achievement.”
Godfrey is excited about his studies
Godfrey Mduduzi Mahlambi (30), a Buyani Primary tutor enjoyed meeting people who share the same goal. The day served as a refresher course, reminding him of how to set the tone in the classroom for calm and order. This year, he hopes to make progress on his own studies with the help of a StudyAssist bursary. He’s looking forward to introducing NumberSense workbooks to Grade 6 learners.
Jabu Thomo creates excitement for the year ahead
Jabu Thomo wants tutors to understand and appreciate the value they bring into the organisation. “By hosting this function we recognise their hard work in 2021 and motivate them for 2022. The day gave the tutors the opportunity to meet members of the team who work behind the scenes,” he said.
He underlined commitment to help tutors with daily tasks, as well as in their personal development. “With all our support structures in place we empower them to realise their goals and build their network. New tutors see others furthering their studies, and see that as a possibility for themselves. At JumpStart we strongly encourage that practice,” he continued.
“We ask our interns to shout in times of distress. We are here for you. You don’t have to suffer alone.” Judging from the tutors’ response, Daniella believes everyone was interested in each speaker on the day!
A word to our sponsors
“To Sasol and The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, words can’t express how much we appreciate the support as we develop young minds in schools and give youth these opportunities. For many of them this job is their first foray into the world of formal employment,” conclude Jabu Thomo.
Partner with us
Your company could partner with us to expand our programme to schools in your area! Optimise your Skills Development expenditure or contribute to our bursary fund. Meet your B-BBEE scorecard by supporting a tutor like Noxolo Myeko. These options align with the revised B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice. Email Betty Oliphant for more information.
