January 2024.
Armancha Mitchell, a dedicated educator in training from De Aar, is entering her third year of studies for a Bachelor of Education, Intermediate Phase. Born and raised in De Aar, Armancha’s commitment to uplifting her community through education is evident in her role as a Maths Coach and her aspirations to contribute more as a qualified teacher.
Her educational journey is supported by the De Aar Solar Power Bursary Programme, currently benefiting over five local recipients. The programme, focused on nurturing talents in Numeracy and Literacy, encourages students from regions like Hanover, Britstown, Philipstown, and De Aar to pursue teaching careers.
“The opportunity is a blessing because there are a lot of young people in my community with the potential and dream to go study further but can’t due to finances. Being in this position, I am able to show them that this is possible,” said Armancha, encouraging others to pursue their dreams.
Discovering her passion for teaching in 2020, when she began serving as a Maths Coach at Kareeville Primary School, what initially seemed an unforeseen career path evolved into a profound commitment to education and inspiring young minds.
“When I realized that I loved what I was doing and accomplishing while working with these kids, I started the process of applying for my teaching degree,” said Armancha, who is driven by a hunger for knowledge and envisions extending her educational journey beyond the Bachelor’s degree, aiming for an Honours degree and eventually a Master’s degree in education.
“We believe in fostering education and empowering aspiring teachers in the region. Through our Numeracy and Literacy Programme and Bursary Programme, community members like Armancha will be encouraged to pursue a career in education and contribute their skills back into the community,” concluded Hlengiwe Radebe, Economic Development Director for De Aar Solar Power.