My dream was fulfilled on the 23rd June 2005. Teachers Dream made it possible for my learners and I to perform and recite poems at the University of the Witwatersrand campus in Braamfontein. They made it possible for my colleagues and fifty learners to the go to the university.
It was my dream to see the learners being given the opportunity to display their creativity and writing to an institution of higher learning such as Wits. For some of the learners this was a dream come true experience. They had been yearning to display their talent at such an institution. The learners did not only display their poetry skills through their performances, but they also had an opportunity to interact with Wits academics on academic issues.
The jewel in the crown was when we eventually launched an anthology entitled Thebuwa. This was a product of the learners. The anthology was edited by Denise Newfield (Senior Lecturer – Wits) and I. It was my “dream come true” experience when this anthology was finally launched.
The learning outcomes set out, those pertaining to speaking, reading, listening, writing, thinking and language structure and use, as well as those critical outcomes pertaining to redress, democracy and the development of agency were achieved.
I acknowledge and appreciate the assistance in ensuring that the launch became a success.
WORDS OF GRATITUDE FROM SOME OF THE LEARNERS OF LUMULA JUBILEE HIGH SCHOOL
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the help you provided in terms of funding out transport. The day was wonderful and I learned a lot from other poets who had their own views on life, love and everything else. Your help is and was highly appreciated.” – Tshepisa Setsepu
“Thank you for the good heart you have. The trip was fruitful since we as poets had a chance to present our works to other people. I, as a poet, was honoured to have a chance like this, and we left Wits inspired and empowered.” – “Nthato” Thato Mazwi
“It was inspiring and encouraging! Thank you would be an understatement of how I appreciate what you have done for us. The people of Wits are warm and welcoming and I hope they will remain so for any other promising upcoming stars. I would just like to say that a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. I therefore hope you will keep lighting those candles so that the youth of this country will not only walk in light, but be the light of the country.” – Siqangwe Siphiwe
“The launch of Thebuwa was very exciting.” – T Gwala
“The poetry session was great and the launch was excellent. I especially liked the group that sang and the poets who expressed their poems with such feeling.” – Anonymous
“The launch of Thebuwa was fantastic and the poems were amazing. I would like to say thanks to all and again that the launch was awesome…….” – Ngobeni Andries
“I was never really interested in poetry, but now I am inspired! I hope that spirit will remain.“ – Amanda Mdolo
