Raphalalani Avhasei Messie
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Project Name/Description:
Teacher, Mphagane Primary School, Ha-Mashau village
Young, vibrant and willing to continue learning more. Meet Messie, a dynamic young woman our education system should be proud to have in its employ, and indeed the community of Ha-Mashau.
A graduate of the University of Venda, where she completed both her Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase and Honours in Guidance and Counselling, Messie is not stopping as she is currently enrolled in a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling at the same institution.
Messie was selected as one of the 100 educators in the Vhembe District to receive a bursary to study an ICT short course at the University of Witwatersrand, due to start in November. “As a young teacher in the foundation phase, I am dedicated and passionate about transforming the lives of young children and ensuring that no child is left behind,” says Messie.
She founded a non-profit organisation, Stop the Spots, which aims to eliminate barriers that prevent young children and youth from becoming the best versions of themselves.
She says: “Our organisation promotes a love for education among children at the primary and secondary levels, as well as those who may be lost in their communities. We host career guidance and application workshops, raise awareness about social challenges such as substance abuse, family issues, human rights and poverty, and address matters related to gender-based violence for both male and female children.
She is also registered with Unisa, studying for an Advanced Certificate in Intermediate Phase Mathematics and English.
“I believe that as women, we are life-givers through birth, and this gives us the power to raise a generation of men and women who do not contribute to gender-based abuse and who value and cherish education.”
