My name is Mmapula Ngoepe. After matriculating in 2013, I spent three long and challenging years at home, unable to secure a place at any university. Those years were heavy with uncertainty and disappointment, and with every passing month, I felt my dream of furthering my studies slipping further away.

In 2017, not wanting to give up completely, I chose to volunteer at Inkonjane Primary School, simply to keep myself busy and stay connected to something meaningful. I had no idea that this small step would become the turning point of my life.

I vividly remember the day the principal called me into his office and said, “I don’t want to see you here next year.” His words shocked me at first, but he went on to explain that with my Grade 12 results, he wanted to see me at university instead. That moment changed everything. With his encouragement, along with the unwavering support of the entire staff, I received financial assistance for my university applications and, finally, I was accepted.

Today, I am a qualified teacher. I carry this achievement with immense pride, knowing it was made possible by the kindness, belief, and support I received from Inkonjane Primary School. Their faith in me rekindled a hope I thought I had lost, and even today, the staff continues to stand by me.

I will forever be grateful to Inkonjane Primary School for seeing potential in me when I struggled to see it in myself, and for helping me turn what felt like a setback into a powerful success story.

My name is Malebo Patricia Tshoeou, née Maloka. My educational journey began at Inkonjane Middle School, where I attended Grades 1 to 4 from 2002 to 2004.

In 2020, I had the privilege of returning to Inkonjane as a student teacher while pursuing my Foundation Phase teaching qualification through UNISA. Over the course of four years, I completed my practical training at the school, during which I developed a deep passion for the teaching profession. I was warmly welcomed by the staff and principal, and I felt honoured to be part of such a well-organized and supportive team.

A particularly memorable experience occurred during the June 16th celebrations, which coincided with my practical training. That day reaffirmed my calling to teaching and highlighted the meaningful impact educators can have on their learners and communities. Inkonjane Primary School has consistently inspired and motivated me, with the school environment, staff, and especially the principal, whose continuous encouragement has driven me to pursue further studies.

I am proud to share that, inspired by this support, I plan to enrol in the Honours in Education programme at UNISA in 2026, further advancing my professional journey in education.

I have had the privilege of volunteering at Inkonjane Primary School since January 2015, and it has been a truly meaningful part of my life. Over the years, I have gained valuable skills, new experiences, and built lasting relationships with both colleagues and the children I have served.

Volunteering at Inkonjane has allowed me to make a positive impact in the community, from supporting classroom activities to approaching companies and organizations for donations, such as shoes and sanitary towels. Every small action count, and I am proud to contribute to initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of others.

I am especially excited about the opportunity to serve as a Reading Champion in the Foundation Phase in the BEEI Phase V, further supporting children’s learning and development. Currently, I am studying for my PGCE with UNISA and will soon be graduating. I am grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the Inkonjane team throughout my journey as a volunteer and as a student.

My journey with Inkonjane Primary School has shaped who I am today, both personally and professionally. I first joined the school in 2011 as a Grade 9 learner, back when it was Inkonjane Middle School, and the welcoming environment and dedicated staff left a lasting impression.

Years later, I returned to complete my teaching practicals. During challenging times with bursaries, transport, and food, the school even offered me a small job washing staff cars to help me stay afloat. Their support kept me focused on my dream of becoming a teacher.

From working as an Educational Assistant to completing all my teaching practice sessions here, Inkonjane Primary School has been a place of growth, learning, and encouragement. The staff, the learners, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way have played a huge role in shaping me into the teacher I am today. I will always be grateful for their belief in me and their support throughout my journey.

My name is Vivian Chauke, and I am 36 years old. My journey in education began in 2015 when I started volunteering as a Grade-R Assistant. In 2017, I secured a position as a Grade-R Child Minder, where I worked for one year.

After returning to volunteer work, I took on the role of a COVID-19 Screener in 2020, serving for two years. In 2023, I briefly worked as an Education Assistant for three months.

Everything changed for me in June 2023 when I was offered a permanent position at Inkonjane Primary School; a place that has had a significant impact on my life. The principal has always prioritized volunteers whenever new opportunities become available, and the support I received from both the staff and principal has been exceptional. Even today, I continue to feel valued and supported in my role. Inkonjane Primary School has not just been a workplace for me, it has been a place of growth, opportunity, and community.

My name is Rebecca Tsholofelo Setshedi. I started working at Inkonjane Primary School as an Education Assistant during the COVID-19 period, having prior experience as an ECD practitioner. It was a very difficult time for me, as I had been retrenched from my previous job, but the school gave me an opportunity to work there (2020–2022). During this time, I learned new skills, gained confidence, and developed a deeper understanding of how to support young children through my daily classroom experiences.

My passion for working with young children grew, and when my contract ended, I decided to continue volunteering at the school. Being part of the school inspired me to further my studies. The guidance I received from the principal and teachers helped me realize that teaching is the career I want to pursue. I am grateful for the experience I have gained here. The school is playing an important role in my journey, shaping me into the future teacher I am becoming.

My journey with Inkonjane began in 2019, stepping into a world I knew little about, especially working with children. It was a new environment that quickly taught me humility and the joy of loving and serving young children.

Over the years, I’ve found meaningful ways to give back to the school and community. One of my greatest joys has been keeping the school grounds clean and developing a thriving garden as volunteer caretaker. Creating a welcoming space has brought happiness to everyone, and I take pride in contributing to that transformation.

With the support of the school staff and SCB, I’ve experienced life-changing improvements. After living in a “mkhukhu” for eight years, I now have a proper house thanks to the monthly allowance and encouragement I receive. The staff and school authorities have supported me through many moments, and I’m deeply grateful.

I’m also proud of helping upgrade the school’s pit toilets to flushing toilets, a collective effort we all contributed to. My passion for beautifying the school extended to advocating for a flower and vegetable garden and planting trees around the campus. Even when I wasn’t actively involved, the vision remained strong, inspired by the dedication of others, especially the “Community in Blue.”

My name is Calvin Chauke, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Inkonjane Primary School. I began my practicals at the school in 2019 while I was still in college, and as I progressed in my academic journey and later enrolled at the University of North West, Inkonjane continued to play a significant role in my growth.

The experience and skills I gained at the school have been truly exceptional. The teachers were incredibly supportive, always willing to assist with my assignments and offering guidance through their exemplary teaching methods. From them, I learned not only effective classroom practices but also how to treat and engage with learners in meaningful ways.

I also had the opportunity to work in the Admin Office, where I gained valuable experience in office administration and an understanding of how SA-SAMS operate. These skills have contributed greatly to my development.

Now, in my final year, I can confidently say that my journey has been shaped by the support I received at Inkonjane. The school helped me in many ways, including providing access to Wi-Fi and assisting with printing when I could not afford data or copies. Their willingness to help made a significant difference in my studies.

I am excited to be part of a community that shares my passion for education and development. I am confident that the skills and experiences I gained at Inkonjane Primary School will enable me to make a positive impact. I remain truly grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and now give back to the school.