In January 2012 we opened African Angels Independent School with 28 children and 3 members of staff. Cristi Lehy was our Grade R teacher and bus driver. Lindiwe Sigqaza was our Grade R assistant and cleaner, and I was the Grade 1 and 2 teacher, accounts person, plumber, we all just took on whatever role was needing to be filled. Lou networked, found donors, found more donors, found resources.
We had many visitors in those early days, some in the form of cows, goats, pigs, chickens and even emu’s. We had a call once to say that lions from Inkwenkwezi were on the loose and we were to be on the lookout. We didn’t spot them, much to the disappointment of some of the boys!
10 years later we have 158 children enrolled, a hostel for all Grade 5, 6 and 7 learners, 10 teachers, 4 assistants, a remedial teacher/librarian, 1 art specialist, an admin officer and hostel manager, a sponsor liaison and marketing practitioner, a maintenance man and hostel manager, 3 cleaners, 1 cook, 1 bus driver and soccer coach, and, a newly appointed, co-ordinator and mentor for our high school learners. What growth and development!
This year we welcome Hannah Putzier and Emma Rankin as our newest members of staff. Hannah has been teaching at Victoria Girls in Grahamstown and has relocated to the beautiful East Coast to join us as Grade 3 teacher. Emma has joined us as our visual arts teacher. We are delighted to have Emma on our team and we hope to uncover some budding artists!
Here’s to an exciting, adventurous 2022!
