ABOUT UNITY COLLEGE   staff

“WHY I ENJOY WORKING AT UNITY COLLEGE”

I was fortunate to grow up in a family which fostered children. The youngest child was a Down syndrome girl called Jane. Our kindly G.P told us that Jane would never be able to walk, talk or eat like us regular kids.

I distinctly remember a circle of five children clapping and cheering her on, when she took her first steps and the delightful mess she made when she fed herself. On another occasion Jane was very ill and I feigned sickness to miss school and to be with her. A very strict Mother quickly saw through this and by first break I was duly returned to school!

At the age of five, I’d made up my mind to teach special needs children. It is a privilege to be part of each child’s life. It is an honour to work with a team of dedicated professionals who want to make a difference to each special needs child.

UNITY P/A- SECRETARY – DEBBIE MILLAR
Bookkeeping Diploma

Being the front person at Unity, I often come across desperate parents who feel that there is no hope for their child. I treat every call as “special” and it gives me a wonderful feeling to be able to help in some way and turn those negatives into positives. My wish is for an educational fund to be formed to give those financially disadvantaged learners an opportunity to partake in the priceless education, love and care they receive at Unity.

UNITY BUSINESS MANAGER - HENRY BOTHA
LTH Degree

I have been involved in the administrative side of school activities over the past few years. Since I joined Unity College, my definition of being appreciative for the things we take for granted and having an impact on the lives of others, have been re-defined.

The slogan of Unity College is “my future is created a step at a time “. It is indeed a privilege to experience firsthand, how the dedicated staff give meaning to the slogan as they daily contribute to the shaping of the learners’ future a step at a time.

MADELEINE SHARP – RECEPTIONIST

The reason why I enjoy working at Unity College is working with a team of very special people! I enjoy being a part of such a great group! We are all links in an educational chain, and each and every one of us is as important as the next person! I was born with right-hand side haemoplegia and Cerebral Palsy, which often makes it difficult for me to keep my balance, but knowing that there are children who have the same difficulties as I do, it just inspires me to know that they can cope with it as well as I can. These children are very special indeed!

MICHELLE JENKINS - ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

I followed an inner voice for simplicity, humbleness and change, a desire to do good, not only speak it but walk the talk.

You need only walk in the door, see the children and some of the most passionate, most caring individuals I’ve been fortunate to meet in such a short period of time, to understand why one wants to be a part of this family. Unity is just that, the uniting of special individuals from diverse backgrounds all working towards the same goal and with more love and kindness than I’ve seen in my 15 years of working experience. This is a great place and an honour to be a part of. How many people are passionate about what they do. May the joy continue.

CARIN EAGLETON – COMPUTER TEACHER
MCSE

Life is full of surprises…I was forced to make some life altering changes in my professional world. I started a new journey; keeping my focus on God and following the path he shows me. A friend told me about the position of Computer Teacher at Unity College; I applied and prayed for guidance, as I felt right at home the moment I arrived for my interview. On my first day at Unity College I knew that I have found an oasis in our concrete city. It is such blessing to be able to make a difference in the lives of special needs kids, or should I say they in mine.



JAMES MALLET-VEALE – GROUNDS MANAGER
Motor Mechanics Trade

To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived -- this is to have succeeded. Ralph Waldo Emerson

TINNY LEBEPE
Dip. Ed & F.D.E (Remedial) & B.A. Educ. (Ed Man)

My passion for the special needs education made me see Unity College as an ideal school to work for. Having worked at the mainstream schools, Teacher Training College and In-service Training Centre for teachers, I still find a school like Unity College as an ideal school for me. Working at Unity College is a challenge, as I am faced with different disabilities in one class or multiple disabilities in one child. This empowers us as teachers because you have to understand and cope with these disabilities. This gives the opportunity to learn and experiment with the new approaches, to find solutions for each child as they come into your class. Being a teacher at Unity College means learning a new skill every day.


FREGITAH DIREKO
MATRIC

I have a special love for children with special needs. God has given me a talent for working with and understanding for these children, to help them reach their goals and become the best they van be in life.

ANITA WYLIE
B.A. ( library science) & H. Dip. Ed

I have found Special Education very interesting after mainstream. The classes at Unity College are small, enabling teachers to get to know their charges. Each achievement, no matter how small, is noted and celebrated. The teachers and therapists are very dedicated and the spirit of co-operation makes teamwork a pleasure.

ESME PELSER
H. Dip. Ed

Through my years of teaching students with special needs, I experienced more holistic development and change in them, than in what society would call “normal “students. They thrive with love, boundaries and discipline. In the end, I too, experience this great change and it affects my life, and my discipline. One often thinks of special education students as “those who can’t cut it”. This is a very simplified view of the lives they will one day lead. They will, without a doubt, have great challenges, but I have seen through my work with them, that they grow in leaps and bounds. Sometimes this growth is measured in the smallest achievements, by the greatest understanding, when everything seems to fall into place. In teaching these special students, and watching them grow, I have learnt to admire them as they become successful and achieve their goals, with, sometimes a massive effort; I have experienced more personal job satisfaction, than in any mainstream school.

ADRI VAN HEERDEN – OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
B.A. of OT & S.I. Diploma

The essential things in life aren’t seen by the eyes, but felt with the heart.

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ESTELLE HENDERSON
Dip. Ed & F.D.E (Remedial)

While still living in Cape Town, I surfed the internet once to read up about institutions for learners with special needs, in Gauteng, for an assignment.

I came across Unity College, read up all about the institution and used it as part of my assignment, but never followed up on an enquiry.

After my relocation, from Cape Town to Pretoria, I decided to make an enquiry for possible vacancies at schools for children with special needs, as this was my field of specialization. Two of the schools which I have approached asked me to come for interviews of which Unity College was one. After my interview at Unity I told my self that this is the place I want to be. In retrospect, it was one of the best decisions - and now I am proud to be associated with an institution that strives to fulfill each learner’s true potential.

ANNIE BWALYA
H. Dip. Ed (Primary) & H. Dip Ed (Secondary.)

Coming across Unity College quickly made me realize that this would be a facility that would enable me to live out my love and commitment to children with special needs. They are a pleasure and very fulfilling, and seeing them playing, enjoying themselves is what brings pleasure to me as well. My greatest fulfillment comes from supporting these kids in their efforts to be the best they can be. I believe these kids can all grow to live fulfilling lives and therefore one important aspect in this, is that from the very beginning they are made to feel confident about who they are. This is what makes me wake up everyday and look forward to a class.

I am also aware that a lot of this comes to be real because of the enabling environment Unity College provides - from the facilities through to the curriculum and the friendly and highly skilled and supportive staff. It is a pleasure to be at Unity College.

AMY BAIER
B Speech Language and Hearing

Every child is a unique and special individual with so much potential. Being part of a team that strives to reach that potential, where others may previously not have tried, is a really enriching and privileged experience. Communication is a fundamental part of life and helping a child to be able to interact better with those in their lives, as well as convey their thoughts and emotions, is truly rewarding.

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SHADRECK CHIDWAKWA
B Educ.

What I enjoy most at Unity College is the privilege of being part of a dedicated and friendly team of special learners and educators. It is quite fulfilling to see learners demonstrating their unique talents, gifts, strengths and creativity despite their learning challenges. Teaching numeracy, literacy and design and technology in Special Education is my newly found and exciting experience especially after teaching in mainstream for a long time.

ALEWIS MAKONI
Bed & M.Ed (Admin)

Being part of a diversified set up like that of Unity College gives one a great sense of appreciation of societal complexity. For me Unity is a place where challenges are never issues. The support I get from the dedicated team of staff and parents is the major source of inspiration.

Everyone is a winner, all we need is the patience to get there .Remember everyone is unique and special in life.

VICKY MACRIDES
B.A. in Speech & Hearing Therapy

Life presents us with many opportunities to create the kind of life we wish for. For me it has always been important to create situations where I can make a difference. Working with special needs kids is an experience which challenges me as a clinician and where I know that every bit of input contributes in some way and makes a difference in the lives of my children and their families. But lets face it, it is also simply just FUN. Each day brings something that will either make me smile, inspire me, touch me or challenge me. What more could I ask for.

FLORAH MACHABAPHALA
Dip . in Educare.

I choose to work at Unity College because I have a special interest in special needs children. I enjoy working with them, and I do love them as well. I feel happy when they achieve skills for independence.

TONIC SIBANDA
B Educ. (Special Ed)

It all started way back in 1998 when I was still a mainstream teacher. I used to see and hear teachers complaining about children with learning difficulties and even sending some to the lower grades. As a senior teacher I was really disturbed and touched by the plight of these children. I decided, with the permission of the principal, to open a special class for them. Wow, what and experience. As those children began to feel the love of a teacher, their confidence and self esteem started to grow and they began to enjoy school. Even those who had developed the habit of bunking lessons and playing truant became enthusiastic about school. The principal, other teachers, the parents and I were stunned by the progress those children made in reading, writing and enthusiasm towards school. I realised that this was a calling and I responded by taking up a four year special education degree programme with one of the universities in Zimbabwe. That was when the myths, stereotypes, prejudice and social stigma surrounding people with disabilities were revealed to me. My passion for working with children with disabilities increases each day. Unity College gives me the fulfillment of working with special needs learners.

HAZEL KEKANA
O.T. Assistant

It is an honour and privilege to work with the learners in this school. What a wonderful opportunity UNITY COLLEGE has given me to get to know these special children. If you have determination, perseverance and open your heart for these children you will make it to the place called success.

NICOLE SIUSTA
B. Science in O.T.

I love being part of the lives of my senior students. No reward is greater than helping and seeing each one of them discover their strengths and talents, gain confidence and self esteem, and use the self respect they gain from these to shape their futures and integration into society.

ROBYN HAYS
BA, PGCE, M.Ed (Educational Psychology)

I loved my brief teaching experience at the school in the junior department and was delighted to be afforded the opportunity to return in my new role as Educational Psychologist. Working with these special little people has taught me so much about the human spirit and Unity provides such a nurturing environment for both the learners and the staff to grow and develop. I hope that I can now offer more support to the learners and parents and add as much value to their lives as they have added to mine.

SHELAGH POPPLEWELL
B.A. Honors & Counseling

From the moment that I set foot on the grounds of Unity College towards the end of May 2008 to attend an interview, the pervasive sense of tranquillity and containment which speaks to the very essence of all that the school stands for, resonated deep within me. Joining the staff in the position of Registered Counsellor in the following month felt indubitably “right”, and although my previous exposure to working within educational institutions is limited and sporadic, facilitating the Unity children’s social development and promoting their emotional wellness significantly enhances my own personal growth. They always give back more than what they are given – because they want to – and because they can.

Issues which arise, unpredictably yet frequently, traverse the entire spectrum of life’s challenges, and provide opportunities for the children and me to confront them together. It is nothing less than a privilege to participate in the formation of each child’s holistic development, and to observe the individual gradual emergence of a sense of a more integrated self which equips them sufficiently, confidently, and with unbridled enthusiasm, to enter the next phase on the journey of life.

One is reminded that it is not the destination but the journey that holds the most importance, and as “childhood is (being) measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows” (Betjeman, 1958), my mission is to position myself as a safety-net to catch any fall-out when dreaded reason interferes – because I can – and to empower each young individual to grasp and celebrate all the other positive elements which the universe offers – because they can.

MARY NDOU

I am working at Unity College because I like to work with people, especially with kids.

I am glad to work in this school because it is a special school and I’m prepared to do all that I can do, to see this school to its best potential.

I would love to see our learners out there somewhere, making a difference in our country or in the world as a whole.

RAMONA JUTHA
BSoc Sci

Children have always inspired me. Their simplicity and honesty when looking at the world gives them the insight I sometimes lack. No problem is too big to conquer and all disagreements are solved with a simple “I’m sorry” and a handshake. Unity has taught me that by simply being who you are, great achievements are made. I can’t help but smile when a child shouts across the sports field “hello Ammonia!!” or shares everything from Hannah Montana’s latest song to the current political crisis with me. The word “Special” describes Unity children more than we know. For me the greatest achievement is when a child beams after managing what he couldn’t do yesterday, with ease today and by tomorrow, it is second nature!

TRACEY HOLLIMAN
B.Ed Ecd and Foundation phase, Honours in specialisation in Learning Support

“ People can only live fully by helping others to live. When you give life to friends you truly live. Cultures can only realize further richness by honouring other traditions. And only by respective natural life can humanity continue to exist.” – Daisaku Ikeda

Once in our life times we have all wished for something either when we were small or even at our present age. My wish… to be able to have such an impact on the learners that I teach that they’ll be able to walk away with an attitude where they want to go out into the world and make something of themselves. My passion is to help those who aren’t able to help themselves and that, is what brought my deliberation to specialise with learners who have special needs. Unity College has an amazingly supportive team and allows for such a passion to be met and for learners to be seen as the special individuals they are. 

VANESSA SMITH
BA-ed from  RAU

"My first encounter with unity students was during one of the school's shopping excursions. I was immediately struck by the politeness of the students and their unabated enthusiasm. I knew then that I would enjoy teaching at Unity College. My convictions were confirmed when I was invited to teach on a relief basis in the senior phase of Unity. I now consider myself truly fortunate to have been able to take up a permanent post in the junior department.  My objective is to allow each child to reach their full potential in a nonjudgmental environment abounding with acceptance and love. I am delighted to be a part of the strong team who work co-operatively to impact in a positive way on the lives of these special children."