Cape Town - World Teachers’ Day might have come and gone, but for Octavia Daniels, the recognition continues.
The 24-year-old teacher’s kind gestures towards learners in her class and the schools she taught at in her hometown of Mitchell’s Plain, has inspired those who know her.
Daniels first surfaced on social media when she shared a picture of a letter she received from a learner who asked her for something to eat.
Without hesitation, Daniels offered her bread. However, the young teacher’s story runs even deeper.
Daniels said it all started when she was just a child herself.
“Growing up in Eastridge, I was often exposed to children not having, luckily for me I had parents who never made them feel any different.
“They would often send me to school with extra bread to share and instilled in me a passion for sharing.
“I carried this with me for the rest of my life. This also inspired me to go into teaching so that I could help.
“So far, I have offered tutoring and also hosted a sanitary drive at Highlands Primary School and handed out food to kids.”
The Grade 6 teacher, who is currently teaching at AZ Berman Primary School in Beacon Valley, and is in her final year studying, was caught off guard when the Cape Argus contacted her yesterday.
“I am not doing this for recognition, so I am quite shocked…to me all that matters is seeing the kids smile.”
However, founder of Isidima Children’s Village in Gansbaai, Soria Franken, said Daniels needed to be recognised for her giving heart.
The two met each other through social media, when Franken approached Daniels after seeing what she does for her community.
“You know, she even takes her birthday and dedicates it to the children, by giving them a plate of food instead of her going out to celebrate, where do you hear of a young person doing things like this?”
Franken said they immediately clicked and within months Daniels agreed to become an ambassador for Isidima.
“She has one of the biggest hearts I know and will do whatever she can to help make a difference. Besides all this she goes above and beyond to also help us. Octavia is a changemaker, and she deserves to be recognised.
“We can all learn from her, young and old.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Cape Argus