Ammarah Ford-Pieters
Nominee's Province:
Western Cape
Age:
25
Project Name/Description:
As an award-winning educator and champion for teacher wellness, Ammarah Ford-Pieters could have her pick of schools to work at. Instead, the motivated young woman has made the conscious decision to remain an educator at Cedar Primary School, in the same neighbourhood where she was raised. Cedar is in Bonteheuwel, in the heart of the Cape Flats, and Ammarah says her priority is to create a safe, nurturing space where her learners feel valued and understood. “Because I grew up in the same community and understand these struggles, I approach teaching with empathy and intention. My priority is to make learners feel valued and understood. This means encouraging openness about feelings and providing opportunities for them to succeed in ways that highlight their strengths.” Ammarah is a summa cum laude graduate of Cape Peninsula University of Technology and is now pursuing her Master’s in Educational Management and Leadership; she also runs a Novice Teacher Induction Programme aimed at raising district retention rates. In 2025, Ammarah’s transformative teaching was awarded the National Teaching Award for Excellence in Life Skills, alongside provincial honours for Life Orientation.
