Ammarah Ford-Pieters: Inspiring change in Bonteheuwil through education

Cedar Primary School is immensely proud of teacher Ammarah Ford-Pieters, who was awarded the Provincial Teachers Award for excellence in Life Skills Education at this year’s ceremony.

Ms Ford-Pieters was born in Bonteheuwel and went on to teach in Mitchell’s Plain. But she came back to her place of birth when there was a teaching space at Cedar Primary School. She is renowned for her dedication to helping others, despite her busy schedule with her grade four pupils.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms Ford-Pieters attributes her success to the teaching staff, her pupils, and the entire community of Bonteheuwil. She said she is nothing without the community that raised her.

"I come from humble beginnings, like everybody else. I am no different from any person who grew up here," she said.

She believes that regardless of one's origins, success is attainable if one has faith.

"There was a time when I couldn't pay my fees and wanted to quit, but a stranger helped me. That shows that you can receive help from anywhere, as long as you speak up," she said.

Ms Ford-Pieters entered the teaching profession intending to change the mindset of young people in Bonteheuwil.

She noted that many believe they must come from affluent backgrounds to succeed in life, but that is not the case.

"I teach because I want to be the voice for the young people of Bonteheuwil. I want every child to know that there is life beyond Bonteheuwil. My aim is to provide the kind of education that I could not access. Remember, in our time, it was textbooks all the time. I want to equip them with essential skills," she said.

She expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from her school, stating that everyone at Cedar Primary deserves recognition.

Ms Ford-Pieters admitted she still cannot believe she won. She has just returned from a boot camp in George to prepare for the national awards.

"During the district awards, I had sleepless nights. I was representing my school and felt extremely anxious. I am happy I won the provincial award. When the results were announced, I was on a flight and decided to check my phone. That was when I found out I had won. I was in utter shock, but I am excited," said Ms Ford-Pieters.

She will represent the province at the national level event from Tuesday, September 9 to Friday, September 12.

"There is more pressure on me because I will be meeting other teachers from across the country. I will need to discuss how I teach Life Skills. The pressure is mounting, but I am not fazed. I will be there to represent my province with pride," she said

Cedar Primary principal, Dederick Carelse, said he was proud of Ms Ford-Pieters for spreading positivity throughout the school.

"We are very proud of her. She is a child of Bonteheuwil," he said, wishing her the best of luck at the national awards.