Cape Town - Proving age is nothing but a number when it comes to achieving your dreams, Shaheeda Duncan, a general assistant at Cedar Secondary School in Mitchells Plain, is currently studying towards a degree in Education at the age of 61.
Duncan, who only has three modules left before she graduates, said she was inspired by a secretary at the school who also qualified as a teacher.
“It is a pity I started so late. I enjoy studying and did very well in my modules so far,” said Duncan.
It also helps that her family and especially her husband, who is retired, are all very supportive and proud of her achievements.
Along with familial support, she also has the backing of the teachers at Cedar Secondary who have assisted her with resources and insights into the world of teaching, she said.
“This is where I learned to become a teacher by observing the teachers at the school and how they communicate with each other and the learners.
“Whenever I need help, I can just ask any of the teachers. They are very patient and will sit after hours with me to explain concepts.”
Duncan has strong ties to Cedar Secondary School, where she started working in 2001 in the computer lab as a Khanya lab assistant.
When the Khanya project came to an end, she was appointed by the School Governing Body as a general assistant. Her three children also attended the school.
In 2006 she completed matric at Cedar Secondary School. She split her subjects over two years and her excellent results enabled her to pursue tertiary studies in 2013.
Finances were tight and she had to put her studies on the back-burner until 2017 when her appointment by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) meant an increase in her salary.
Duncan used the extra money to pay for her studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Brenda Davids of the WCED’s Directorate: Strategic People Management, recently met Duncan when she offered training in the Metro South Education District.
“When she told her story in the class, it really inspired the others to further their studies. She pays for her studies out of her own pocket and is struggling financially.
Mrs Duncan’s situation is a story of hope and encouragement,” said Davids.
Cape Times