By Nkhensani Mthombeni
· Sonia teaches at Banana Primary School in a village once known for gangs, and treats all her learners like “very, very important people”.
· Her prizes include a new car, R10,000 in cash, and an international trip to Denmark for teacher development training.
Sonia Kallai has been named the best Grade R teacher in the country, and her community is bursting with pride.
Kallai, who teaches at Banana Primary School in Dan Village, Limpopo, received the top award at the National Teaching Awards in Boksburg on Thursday night.
The next morning, she and other winning teachers returned to a hero’s welcome at Polokwane Airport. Family, friends and Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya were there to greet them.
The young mother and pastor won a brand new car, a R10,000 cash prize and a fully paid teacher development trip to Denmark worth R250,000. She also received several other prizes.
Kallai said her success comes from her love for teaching and how she treats her learners.
“I treat all my learners like VVIPs. I do not have favourites and I have a great relationship with each of them,” she said.
“Teaching is not just a job for me. It is a passion and a calling. That’s why my work speaks for itself.”
Dan Village was once known for gangsterism, but Kallai is bringing love and joy into her classroom.
The celebrations did not end at the airport. Mopani West Education District and Nkowankowa Circuit also hosted a welcome ceremony in her honour, with dancing and photos.
The school will host another big event for her when the fourth term starts on Monday.
Kallai’s journey started at school level, then circuit, district, provincial and finally, national.
The awards were held under the theme: “Empowering educators, strengthening resilience and building sustainability.”
Other big winners included Nkosinathi Matale from Westonaria Primary School in Gauteng, named best natural science teacher, and Ntombifuthi Gumede from Magaliesburg State School. They also received brand new cars.
Pictured above: Sonia Kallai after winning the National Teaching Award for best Grade R teacher.
Image source: Limpopo Department of Education
