A week in the life of the Vocational Training Team from D6400

Mary Jeanne Gallagher and her team started the week with a working lunch during which they met with the regional director of the Department of Education, Mr JJ Mabena, and his management team. During this meeting which took place at Middelburg Primary School, the tone was set for the work of the Vocational Training team in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Department of Education.  It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm with which our friend from Canada were received by the officials from the Department. The rest of the week was filled with visits to local schools to asses the challenges face by teachers in the classrooms, meetings with principals of schools in the area to share their vision, and preparations for the workshops and symposium which are to start next week.
The team also had the privilege of sharing the celebrations of Former President Nelson Mandela's birthday at one of the schools. "Mindblowing" was the comment heard from Mary Jeanne.

Marlize Loubser introduced Karen and Linda to Rooibos Tea. They were so impressed by the taste and promise of medicinal qualities, that they have already stocked up for their return to Canada.

On Friday the team visited Soweto with AG Mgezi Mazibuko, and PDG Anton Meerkotter. The visit included a stop at Madiba's former residence in Orlando, the Hector Peterson Museum and lunch.

On Saturday evening the team was able to relax at a braai at the house of Pres Anna Mart Ott and Nick. It was a wonderful evening during which they were shown a video of the 2011 Greatest Train Race and the projects which benefited therefrom. Mary Jeanne also handed a small token of appreciation to PDG Anton Meerkotter from PDG Micheal Duben of D6400. She thanked both of them for their efforts in making this VTT possible.

We hope that the team will be able to recharge their batteries before the next busy week starts.