How did you become aware of the FAST Heroes campaign and what was your first impression?
When researching online resources for our school’s UN awareness days, I focused on stroke awareness. Recognizing its importance, I explored child-friendly educational materials and discovered the FAST Heroes program. Upon contacting Renathe [van der Merwe, senior FAST Heroes coordinator for South Africa, Namibia and Botswana] for more details, I was impressed by her enthusiasm to share information and provide training. I particularly admired the program’s child-centered, captivating, and creative approach.
What did your class enjoy most about the programme? Did they have a favourite character?
During the program’s implementation at our school, I was teaching classes ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 6 in the subject, Life Skills. All students, regardless of their age, enthusiastically embraced the program and appreciated its practicality. Each lesson incorporated elements of creativity rather than being solely content-driven. In the senior classes, many students particularly enjoyed engaging with Sophia through tongue-twister games, songs, raps, and role-playing scenarios.
From a teacher’s perspective, what makes this project so impactful?
The resources provided make the program highly impactful. They comprehensively cover all aspects of learning, making it significantly easier for me as a teacher to deliver the content effectively. With everything readily available, differentiation becomes seamless, allowing me to tailor the material to suit each child and class. Despite using the same resources, each learner interprets and engages with them differently, ensuring that every class experience is unique.
What would you want to tell other teachers about FAST Heroes implementation in their classrooms?
The program encourages creativity and personal expression. By customizing it with your class, you can enhance the enjoyment and engagement. Additionally, it can be integrated across multiple subjects, making it a valuable tool rather than extra work.
What are the children in your class like?
The children at Loreto School Queenswood are a diverse group full of energy and curiosity. They have a positive attitude towards learning and are eager to explore new concepts. While some are more focused and disciplined, others bring a playful and imaginative spirit to the classrooms. Overall, our learners are a dynamic, kind-hearted, enthusiastic primary school-aged group, always ready to engage in both academic and creative activities with the focus of making a difference.
What do you like best about your school?
Loreto School Queenswood is a values-based school dedicated to the growth of each individual learner. Our school focuses on the holistic development of children, offering programs and awareness projects designed to cultivate learners who will become active agents of social change. Being a teacher at LSQ is rewarding, as it provides the freedom and creativity to contribute meaningfully to the greater good.
Where did you grow up and when and why did you decide to become a teacher?
I grew up in a small town outside of Pretoria called Bronkhorstspruit. As a little girl, I never quite fit into the local culture. When I started Grade 1, my family faced a challenging time as my mother was frequently in and out of the hospital. During this difficult period, I had a teacher, Mrs Elize Gottfried, who went above and beyond to ensure my well-being. She would drop me off at my dad’s work when he forgot to pick me up, and she supported me at events my parents couldn’t attend. Her care extended beyond academics; she taught with heart. Inspired by her, I became a teacher to make a difference in the lives of others, just as she did in mine.
How do you see the role of teachers in South African society?
In South African society, teachers play a pivotal role as both educators and community leaders. They are responsible for shaping the minds and futures of young learners, imparting not only academic knowledge but also critical values and life skills. I believe that teachers help prepare students emotionally, socially, and intellectually for the world and its demands. We can only hope that learners become active, informed citizens who can drive positive change in our society.
How did you feel upon hearing about the award?
Initially I was unsure how to feel. It was exciting, yet I didn't feel deserving of the award because I don't do what I do for personal gain. However, it is gratifying to be acknowledged, especially in a field where recognition is rare. I hope this recognition inspires other South African teachers and helps promote this program and more like this.
If you are or know an amazing teacher and want to know more about the FAST Heroes program, contact Renathe van der Merwe on renathe.vandermerwe@iqvia.com or +27825235487. You can also find out more at https://fastheroes.com/, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FastHeroesSouthAfrica and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fast_heroes_south_africa
