FOR THE LOVE OF A TEACHER!
An inspirational story about Andile Dumisa and her dedicated teacher Mrs Elbie Roux.8 year old Andile Dumisa, a Grade 3 learner at Golela Combined School, situated at the Golela Border Post between South Africa & Swaziland, has a God-given singing and academic talent.
Being one of many children this makes it diffcult to find support from her parents.
When Andile was in Grade R, a Senior Primary teacher at her school, Mrs Elbie Roux, was helping with the music at the pre-school concert when she heard a beautiful angelic voice.
So began a wonderful journey in search of a dream for a little girl from
Golela in rural Kwazulu-Natal…
Last year Mrs Roux prepared and entered Andile for the Eisteddfod, a prestigious regional bi-annual talent competition.
Andile was the overall winner of English Solo, not only in her age group but for all 32 participating Primary Schools.
After this excellent achievement, Andile was invited to take part in the South African Championships of Performing Arts in Rustenburg from 6 – 14 April 2013.
Mrs Roux tackled the task of preparing Andile, including fundraising, with loads of passion and enthusiasm. She raised enough money for the travelling costs, accommodation, competition requirements and clothes for Andile. Mrs Roux accompanied, supported and looked after Andile during the trip to Rustenburg.
Approximately 2000 children competed at the Championships, taking part in various disciplines like dancing, singing, acting, instrumental, choirs, rhythmical gym and modelling. Most of the competitors were accompanied by their parents and professional coaches. Little Andile, accompanied by her teacher, sang two songs entitled, “Sun, Moon & Planets” and “Timothy”.
For “Sun, Moon & Planets” she wore a beautiful red dress and for “Timothy” she wore a cute denim skirt and boots with a red ribbon in her hair. During both songs she performed like a professional with confidence and poise beyond her years and circumstances.
The SA team chosen from this competition will take part in the World Championships of Performing Arts between the 7th & 24th July in Los Angeles. Competitors needed to score a minimum of 95% in order to be chosen.
Andile was awarded a 1st and earned herself a place in the SA Team, much to the excitement of her dedicated teacher!
Unfortunately due to time and financial constraints, Mrs Roux has had to enter Andile into this competition in 2014 with the goal of being re-chosen for the SA Team.
Thus, with a clearer understanding of the competition’s requirements Mrs Roux will then be financially sound, and Andile will be a little older and able to deal with the exposure.
Mrs Roux is a motivated, enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who is the “Change Agent” at her school. She is employed to teach Afrikaans but has gone beyond the call of duty introducing music and singing during breaks and after school. Together with local sponsorships, Mrs Roux has funded a music room, where the children learn to sing and play instruments.
She has great plans in using her God-given talent in empowering talented young musicians and is already working with a 5 year old girl who shows promise.
For more information please contact Kerryn Powell at kerrynp@xsinet.co.za or 083 231 3504
Banking details for donations:
First National Bank:
Milimani Educational and Rehabilitation Trust
Branch: Pongola
Account: 62064595295
Please reference: 'Andile'
We would appreciate a contact address via e-mail to express our hearty gratitude!