Facilitators

Nomsa Mboneli

A young education fanatic is the best way to describe me. Despite pursuing a BSc in Human Physiology and Biochemistry at University of Pretoria, most of my experience seems to be in education department rather than in labs and hospitals. With a diverse background that spans various roles, including being a traditional classroom Mathematics teacher, University physics tutor, provincial debate coach, and more, I bring a wealth of experience to the educational landscape. My passion for education is deeply rooted in fostering a holistic learning environment that goes beyond traditional boundaries.

I believe in the power of personalized and inclusive education. As an educator, my identity is shaped by a commitment to inspiring students to explore their unique potentials, encouraging curiosity, and promoting a love for learning. I see myself as a facilitator of knowledge and growth, aiming to instill a sense of purpose and lifelong learning in each student I encounter.

What does learning mean to you?

Learning, to me, is a multifaceted journey that extends far beyond the acquisition of facts and figures. At Open Minds Campus, where the ethos revolves around dynamic and inclusive education, I view learning as a transformative process. It involves not only the transfer of knowledge but also the cultivation of critical thinking, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility.

In the context of the school’s beliefs, learning becomes a collaborative endeavor where students are encouraged to explore, question, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. It’s about empowering students to become active contributors to their communities and fostering a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of their education with the broader world.

Personal interests and development

My passion is deeply rooted in debating, and my journey over the past seven years reflects the evolution from being a debater to coaching the art. Coaching two provincial teams at the South African National School Debating Championships has been a highlight, with our best performance being a remarkable run to the junior semi-finals. Witnessing students I’ve coached go on to qualify for the South African national team has been incredibly rewarding.

Recently, I’ve ventured into organizing debate tournaments, aiming to increase accessibility to this transformative art. I initiated a new tournament, driven by the belief that debating fosters critical thinking and provides a unique avenue to understand perspectives divergent from one’s own. Creating a culture that encourages this open exchange of ideas is, to me, not just an endeavor but a commitment to nurturing a community passionate about the power of debate.

Cindy Sewlal

I am a qualified Montessori teacher with 13 years of experience teaching different age groups.

Teaching has been my passion from a young age. I would study my teachers in high school and analyze what I could change to become a better teacher myself. I believe students work better when they are understood. Each student has a different way of learning, and you need to create a connection between their way of learning with yours to find a middle ground to teach.

I am empathic, and I understand what the students are feeling. Being empathic helps as students will not learn effectively if they are not in suitable mind space. Therefore feeling their emotions, I can assist them in dealing with it.

What does learning mean to you?

Learning never ends, and I think the most important thing I teach my students is to continue learning something new every day. Learning does not stop when you finish school. It is a continuation through your everyday life. Learning empowers a person, helping you to feel more confident. Learning is not only what the books teach you; it is also about learning how to deal with everyday life trials and tribulations.

We at Open Minds Campus understand this and nurture the child both academically and emotionally.

Personal interests and development

I am passionate about many things, and helping people is my top priority.

I have a soft spot for animals and will always assist in raising funds or sponsoring an animal in need.

When I am not trying to save the world, I am home spending time with my family and my two daughters, who mean everything to you. I strongly believe in cultivating a family bond and being there for my daughters through all their trials of growing up. I enjoy reading when I have little time to myself. Also, enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of the world around us.

Roslyn Lucas

Hello! I’m Roslyn, an experienced educator eagerly enjoying my journey at Open Minds Campus. With 16 years in education, including as a School Principal, I’ve garnered insights into children’s learning and development. My tenure has honed my leadership skills, emphasizing collaboration, empathy, and adaptability, which I bring to all facets of my work.

What does learning mean to you?

Through my journey, I’ve learned that every child learns uniquely. It’s our duty as educators to recognize and accommodate these differences, fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive. I’m passionate about creating such spaces, where curiosity is encouraged, diversity celebrated, and lifelong learning is instilled.

Personal interests and development

I hold a strong passion for the welfare of children, particularly in understanding how they learn, connecting with them, and comprehending their learning methods and education. Beyond my role as an educator, I find fulfillment in traveling, spending quality time with my family, delving into enriching literature, advocating for animal welfare, and immersing myself in nature.

Erich Coetzee

I have always had a passion for learning and teaching, although I never envisioned myself as a teacher.

I used to say that I would never become a teacher when I was still in school, it however didn’t take me long afterward to get stuck into it.

I started off teaching guitar and helping students with additional language studies. That sparked a passion for teaching as I saw the great benefit it brings to others as well as joy to myself.

Nothing quite beats the thrill of helping someone else achieve their goals, helping them improve, or just being around amazing people learning to do new things.

What does learning mean to you?

We live in a universe filled with unknowns and I think it is our duty to discover as much of it as we can while we are here. Understanding how the world works, how people interact and behave, that’s the things that excite me.

For me, learning is about sharing these ideas and thoughts with students while providing them with skills to face the world and its difficulties. I might teach Afrikaans, but I try and incorporate as much of the world around us into it.

Learning is not just something we should have to do, but want to do. My goal is to instill that love for learning into others.

Personal interests and development

I have many different hobbies such as playing music, just spending some time with my family, and learning some new skills.

Many weekends I would go away with my wife and daughter to discover some new places and learn a new skill.

I enjoy driving and going on road trips. I have been all over South Africa and it is wonderful, albeit scary at times, to see how places across the country change within a few years.

I am constantly doing short courses and also still studying towards a Bachelors in Forensic Science.

Yasteel Sewnarain

I love trying new things and I am currently spending my free time playing the violin and doing art. My passion for teaching shines through to my students and my main goal is to get them to perform at their best regardless of their circumstances.

I try to make my lessons fun while maintaining the core message behind the lessons. I also believe in teaching for practical applications and understanding rather than just learning to pass a test.

What does learning mean to you?

Learning involves gaining an understanding or learning an approach that can be used to solve real-life scenarios. I believe that learning should be something that a student should want to do in order to make it a worthwhile experience.

The key to this is actually engaging in the interests of students to get them to want to learn about a topic. Setting goals and milestones to achieve also aid in motivation to learn. These goals need to be clearly defined and achievable. I try to use practical examples of how certain topics may assist us when I teach them and how we can use them in real life.

A classroom should be a place where questions are welcomed and wrong answers are not criticized. Even a teacher can learn from his/her students if they pay enough attention to them. Learning is something that can be done throughout your life, no matter how old or young.

Personal interests and development

Over the years I have developed many hobbies and interests. I go on hikes sometimes on weekends. I also enjoy spending time with animals and going on adventures. I also love to do pencil sketches and occasionally paint.

Recently I picked up the violin and I go for weekly lessons to improve, through which I am making steady progress.I love spending time with my friends and family.

Teaching is my passion and getting paid to do something I love is just a bonus.

Rubina Ghoor

Education has been a lifelong passion. I completed a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology and Arabic, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education and thereafter an Honours in Educational Management. I am qualified as a school guidance counselor. I worked as an educator managing the school environment, teaching a grade one class, and then worked at a secondary school, teaching Accounting and Business Studies. I homeschooled my four children for ten years. I continually study multiple modalities of alternative healing such as Kinesiology, Life Coaching, Brain Gym among others. My current practice involves holistic healing.

At Open Minds Campus, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work as the Personal Development Program Facilitator to the Facilitators, children, and parents for the past two years, where I am able to share tools for self-improvement with the students.

What does learning mean to you?

We learn every day and in every way, be it consciously or subconsciously. If we choose to learn consciously, then we have taken full responsibility for the journey of our lives. Learning means that we are changing for the better in all areas of our lives. It is not confined to a skill or knowledge. All education that brings wisdom, peace, and love into our hearts is beneficial learning.

Personal interests and development

My passion lies in observing the unfolding of the human spirit and seeing it reach its true potential. Guiding and supporting the development of people by sharing tools is the work that I do. Acknowledging the seed of love and compassion in each person and then being given the opportunity to nurture this seed is the greatest gift.

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