Her-Story: Celebrating 3 Remarkable Women this Women’s Day

Mrs Stuurman is the principal of Fraaisig Primary, one of the largest schools in Knysna, serving 1285 children. With over 40 years in education, she was recently honoured with the Leadership Award at the district level of the National Teaching Awards (NTA). District winners advance to compete at the provincial and then national levels.

Mrs Stuurman’s outstanding leadership has not only propelled Fraaisig Primary to new heights but has also set a benchmark for educational excellence in the Knysna region.

KILT has had the privilege of working closely with principals like Mrs Stuurman for the last seven years, providing support and resources to enhance leadership skills and school management. Our initiatives empower school leaders to create nurturing and effective learning environments. Mrs Stuurman’s award is a testament to her influential work and the positive impact of strong leadership in education.

KILT currently works with 17 Knysna school principals, who work together to improve the quality of education by sharing information and enjoying mutual support. KILT’s Locally Driven, Network-Supported model emphasises collaboration with school leadership, working together to empower leaders to harness people’s talent and skills and resources, finding their own solutions and strategies. Investing in our leaders is key to transforming our education system.

Another shining star in our Knysna constellation is Ms Zanette Terblanche, who won the Excellence in Primary School Teaching award at the NTA’s District Awards. This accolade recognises her exceptional teaching skills, commitment to child development, and innovative approaches to education.

KILT’s collaboration with teachers across Knysna’s schools focuses on professional development and continuous personal support. We provide additional development, resources, and mentorship programmes to help teachers excel in their roles and inspire their children. Zanette is a beacon in the teaching profession, and with added support from KILT, she has been able to excel even further.

“I have to share something with you, the NTA awards in Oudtshoorn went so well, Circuit 4 KILT-supported schools won so many awards. I cannot help but think that part of the success in this circuit is because of KILT. There is so much we would not have been able to achieve if it wasn’t for KILT…I want to thank you for investing in us…we are seeing the results, the teachers in Knysna are excellent, and this is why we did so well. I must commend KILT for everything you do for us and our schools.” – Zanette Terblanche

Ntombozuko Zweni, one of KILT’s dedicated psycho-social workers, embodies the essence of care and support. Her work involves providing emotional and psychological assistance to our children, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.

Ntombi is a qualified Social Worker with over 8 years of experience working with both children and adults. Her passion lies in empowering others to help themselves. Currently, Ntombi leads KILT’s psycho-social team and provides counselling to children in our Isi-Xhosa partner schools. Her goal is to assist children in building better relationships with their parents, peers, teachers, school environment, and most importantly, themselves.

Recognising that many children lack someone to listen and confide in, she offers attentive listening and professional guidance to support their emotional and social development. KILT’s psycho-social support programme is a crucial part of our commitment to holistic education. We understand that children’s well-being is fundamental to their educational journey and overall development. Ntombi’s compassionate approach and unwavering dedication ensure that our children receive the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.