Our team is comprised of smart and dedicated people who believe in our long-term vision, that it is indeed possible for all South African kids to learn to read for meaning and calculate with confidence by age 10 by 2030. These are the people we trust to lead our programs, develop our materials, and advocate for their widespread uptake by government.
Lead: Western Cape Intervention
Portia October joins the Funda Wande team as Literacy Specialist: Western Cape. She is a qualified teacher, registered counsellor and trained coach. Her teaching career has spanned 28 years from Primary to High School.
In 2014 she joined READ Educational Trust as a literacy coach in the Zenex Foundation Literacy Project. In 2018 she became part of the Education arm of New Leaders Foundation-a coaching and management NGO.
She has worked intensively in 7 schools in Mitchell's Plain. This included working with principals and SMTs around leading for reading, capacitating HODs as instructional leaders and coaching teachers to become expert reading teachers in English HL and Afrikaans FAL. For the past 6 months she has worked as a FP Curriculum Advisor for WCED.
Currently Portia is completing the Rhodes University Teaching reading for meaning course. She is passionate about impacting literacy in South Africa and partnering to improve reading levels.
Foundation Phase Specialist - IsiXhosa
My name is Lumka Ndlungwana. I am the IsiXhosa specialist for all the Western Cape IsiXhosa primary schools.
My goal is to ensure that all the 10 year old read for meaning by 2030. I have been a teacher mentor and a subject advisor, supported and mentored teachers in their daily practices. I believe that every child has a potential to succeed when given a chance and adequate support in their learning.
These are the values I live by integrity, caring, courage, accountability, and responsive.
Project Coordinator
Juliet is an accomplished professional with extensive work experience in the fields of Publishing, Adult Learning, Education,Project Management and Training and Development. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a National Diploma in Early Childhood Development, and a certificate in Practical Labour Law, she has been able to apply her knowledge and expertise across a wide range of industries and contexts.
As an Adult Learning blended learning trainer, she focused on developing and delivering training programs that met the diverse needs of adult learners, specifically those who did not manage to complete or obtain a National Senior Certificate.
In the field of Education, Juliet has been able to leverage her knowledge of Early Childhood Development to facilitate, promote and manage effective learning experiences for young students. Juliet was responsible for the research and registration of the start-up, non-profit teacher training institute as a service provider with relevant governing bodies to offer Early Childhood Development (ECD) qualifications with the ETDP-SETA and QCTO. Furthermore, she was in charge of overseeing the alignment of the Teacher training institute’s local and international qualifications, the assessment of Portfolios of Evidence, quality assurance and compliance to ensure the outcomes and standards are met.
Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.In addition to completing the Associated Montessori International Early Childhood Development 3 to 6 programme, she has attended numerous professional development workshops and conferences.
Her passion for education and training has driven her to pursue opportunities to make a positive impact in her community.
PM : Western Cape Intervention
Khanya is a result-oriented project manager with a background in the Corporate Social Investment industry and non-profit organizations, complemented by a Btech degree in Marketing. She possesses a keen passion for education.
In her previous role within the CSI/Non-Profit Sector, Khanya successfully managed projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and fostering community development. Her experiences have equipped her with strong strategic planning skills, stakeholder management expertise, and a deep understanding of leveraging resources effectively to achieve impactful outcomes. She is passionate about initiatives that empower individuals through education, and she is excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to support Funda Wande's mission.
Outside of work, Khanya is an avid art enthusiast who finds joy in various creative pursuits such as painting, sketching, and engaging in any DIY projects. With her dream of one day amassing a collection of art pieces from various parts of the world, showcasing diverse cultures and artistic expressions.
Foundation Phase Specialist - Afrikaans
Hannah Esterhuizen enjoyed a fulfilling career in education spanning over 30 years, encompassing various roles such as Foundation Phase, Multigrade, Learning Support, Inclusive Team, Departmental Head, Principal, and Curriculum Advisor. She worked in both urban and rural settings across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Each position she held served as a stepping stone for the next, leading her to her current role.
Reflecting on her journey, Hannah remarked, "Each role groomed me for the next one and now brought me here.” As of February 1, 2024, she assumed the position of Foundation Phase Specialist: Afrikaans.
Over the past four years, Hannah witnessed the effectiveness of Funda Wande’s emphasis on Reading for Meaning in enhancing learners’ competence and confidence across all subjects. She finds particular satisfaction in empowering educators to support struggling learners, stating, "Enabling educators to assist struggling learners gives her special joy."
Hannah views her new role as a "Coach of Coaches" as the perfect progression in her career
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