Sinazo Hafula

Nominee's Province:
Free State

Age:
27

Project Name/Description:
Dedicated Teacher

More info:
https://www.facebook.com/sinazo.hafula

Sinazo Hafula, 27, describes herself as a selfless empath who is able to put other people’s needs before her own. A teacher by profession, this year marks her fourth as an English First Additional Language educator of grades 11 and 12 at the Samuel Johnson Secondary School in Zastron in the Free State. Hafula teaches in the poorest district in the province, where the residents depend on social grants. “The children I teach motivate me,” she says. “Most of them are burdened with the responsibility of changing their situation at home and breaking the cycle of poverty through education.” She believes they are brilliant youngsters who need someone to keep reminding them that their dreams are valid. This dedicated educator goes beyond the call of duty to materially support her learners with items such as uniform. She also helps her learners in other ways. “I assist my Grade 12s with bursary and varsity applications annually,” she explains. “I also serve in the School- Based Support Team, a school structure where we basically assist learners in ensuring they aren’t burdened with many things, and they are able to focus on their studies.” Leading by example is what Hafula believes in. She encourages her learners to stay in school and get an education to get ahead in life. In 2021 she obtained an honours degree in education in a record time with an average pass of above 60%, while working full-time – a true achievement. “This self-development helped me produce excellent results of a 100% pass with the matric class of 2021,”