Veteran teachers honoured for decades of service
Lorna Parker has dedicated herself to the education of the young people. She has thanked her family, friends and the Department of Education for the honouring her hard work.
Image: Supplied
Teacher Debbie Rinquest is one of the dedicated teachers at Blomvlei Primary School. She has been in teaching for over 30 years.
Image: Supplied
Veteran teachers were honoured for decades of service at a ceremony hosted by the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) MEC David Maynier at an event held on Friday, September 26, at Century City.
The gathering was part of WCDE's initiative to celebrate and honour the contributions these teachers have made to their respective communities and their lifelong commitment to learning and community upliftment.
The long service awards ceremonies are significant events in the WCDE calendar, as they recognise teachers who have dedicated many years of their lives to serving the best interests of the province’s children. This marks the fourth year that staff have been addressed at the long service awards.
Mr Maynier acknowledged that while recognising past contributions, the event also highlighted ongoing challenges.
“Public service is a calling, not a job. It takes a personal toll on our staff and their families, which is often overlooked.”
He expressed concern about the amount of abuse staff suffer at the hands of parents, activists, politicians, and the general public. However, he commended the teachers, saying it takes guts and determination to serve in any organisation for 20, 30, or 40 years, but even more so in public service.
Among the 500 recipients honoured for 30 years of service were Teacher Lorna Parker from Garlandale Primary School and Debbie Rinquest from Blomvlei Primary School.
The two thanked the department for recognising the work teachers do under challenging conditions. Ms Parker expressed her surprise at receiving a call inviting her to be part of the long service recognition.
“I am delighted. It was absolutely awesome just to be recognised for my hard work and dedication. That made such a great impact on me. I felt rewarded, and I felt that all my hard work and sacrifices are being acknowledged,” she said.
For more than 35 years, Ms Parker has worked in seven schools and has always desired to be a primary school teacher. She promised to continue serving the community even after this recognition, stating that teaching has always been her passion.
She acknowledged that times have changed, and children have changed, requiring her to adapt her teaching methods.
Blomvlei Primary School in Hanover Park operates under tough conditions that not only affect the community but also impact teaching and education.
Ms Rinquest, shared her mission to improve the standard of living in Hanover Park through education. Growing up in the area, she said, she later moved to better areas with less violence.
“I could have stayed somewhere else and taught there, but I chose Blomvlei. I started my schooling here, and this is where I wanted to make an impact. I am happy that the department has recognised us. Teachers work tirelessly under tough conditions,” she said.
Like others, the duo received a certificate of appreciation for their support of the school and their work in favour of the communities of Garlandale and Hanover Park, respectively.