OLIFANTSHOEK – A Grade 4 teacher of Khamanyani Lower Primary school in Olifantshoek who distanced himself from blaming the new educational system, but dedicated himself to helping all learners with various abilities and disabilities, received the champion of the province award during the Provincial National Teacher Awards held at the Meropa Hotel and Casino last Friday.

Mr Shumani Oscar Sadiki has been working tirelessly to help learners with various abilities and disabilities at his school. Realising his commitment to educating learners, his school nominated him to participate in the National Teacher Awards at district level of the Hlanganani South Circuit. He was then nominated at circuit level to participate with his colleagues at district level (Vhembe region) where he emerged as a finalist.

During the Provincial National Teacher Awards last Friday, he received the champion of the Province award from the MEC for Education, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Sadiki received awards in excellence in special teaching (Life Orientation and Inclusive Education). He is now going to participate in the same competition with teachers from other provinces on September 28, at a venue yet to be announced.

“This competition is like a motivation to me; it takes the fear of the unknown from my profession. I have achieved all this because of my commitment, dedication and time. I am urging other teachers to work very hard to ensure that our learners are getting the necessary education they deserve,” he said. Sadiki thanked the department for initiating the competition.