Eastern Cape science teacher hailed for excellence in the classroom

Physical science teacher Zandisiwe Ngayo has never allowed poor school infrastructure and poverty among her learners to get in the way of delivering quality education, earning her an award from the Eastern Cape Department of Education on September 11, 2024.

Ngayo, 31, was born and raised in Butterworth, is a former student at Walter Sisulu University and a physical science teacher in Mzomhle High School in Mdantsane.

She was one of a number of Eastern Cape teachers who were presented with awards for going the extra mile in bringing quality education to learners.

“We do everything in our power and means to see our kids obtaining good science marks so they can go back and solve these problems where they can. We go beyond our call of duty to tutor, mentor, and parent them all at the same time,” Ngayo said on her Facebook page.

“My goal is to improve science education and enable our learners to break the mentality that 30% pass is enough and enable them to obtain at least 50% and above in Physical Sciences. By ensuring a good quality and useful pass, we can build students that are fit for the 21st century,” Ngayo added.

The department of education said Ngayo had created a beacon of hope and excellence in her classroom because of her dedication to teaching.

“Ngayo employed unorthodox teaching methods, improvising where she lacked resources, and explaining difficult concepts using the everyday experience of her learners,” it said.

“One of the things that inspires me and encourages me daily, is seeing the lives of the learners I had encounters with change for the better, obtaining marks that enable them to go study science-related fields. They, in turn, start impacting and adding value to their families, communities, and the world,” Ngayo said.

IOL