Kelisha Pandaram
Nominee's Province:
Kwazulu-natal
Age:
26
Project Name/Description:
External Academic – MANCOSA
Kelisha Pandaram, a Jake Gerwel Fellow, represents a generation of young people who go into the teaching profession to drive meaningful change. Pandaram holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, both with distinction. Pandaram works as an external academic at Mancosa. "In this capacity," she outlines, "I contribute to shaping the minds of aspiring business leaders and students, instilling in them the values of critical inquiry, innovative leadership and social responsibility." Pandaram also teaches mathematics to a cohort of Senior Phase and FET students who have learning disabilities, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive academically. "My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but the cultivation of critical thinking, empathy and agency. I subscribe to a student-centred approach that prioritises active engagement, collaborative inquiry and experiential learning." The passionate educator regards South Africa’s 30 years of democracy as a moment for taking stock of what went wrong and what worked, to create an inclusive future for all. "To truly honour the ideals of freedom and equality, we must redouble our efforts to address these inequities and ensure that every child has the opportunity to fulfil their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. This requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritises investment in teacher training and professional development, equitable distribution of resources and inclusive curriculum reform that reflects the diverse cultural heritage and lived experiences of all South Africans," she maintains.
