Day 1
03/02/2025
05:30 AM The day begins—our very first school day. It was difficult to get up, knowing that it was even an hour earlier in Belgium. Stressed and full of anticipation, I get ready for an unpredictable day. What is the school like? How are the mentors? How are the children? Is my English good enough? What can and can’t I do? All these questions keep running through my head nonstop. After a solid breakfast, I get dressed, and the five of us jump into the car.
The school is only a 15-minute drive away, and the entrance is quite bumpy. Upon arrival, we are amazed by the size of the playground. You’ll find climbing ropes, a large sandbox, at least four different climbing structures, trampolines, tunnels, a big racetrack with at least 20 ride-on cars, a real JEEP, and much more.
We start at 7:00 AM and, right at that moment, we meet the head of the pre-school, Mrs. Roger H. We receive a very warm welcome and are introduced to everyone. We are given the choice of which class we would like to be in today.
I chose the WILD DOGS! And wild, they are absolutely not! This school stands for respect and calmness, which is immediately noticeable in ALL the students at SCS. The preschoolers speak politely, naturally help each other, apologize when needed, and greet everyone (including teachers). What a huge difference in peace and respect compared to Belgium!
The first observation day already felt like a big contrast. I mainly assisted the teacher and the assistant (yes, there are always at least two people per class here) together with my fellow student, Patricia.
After letter recognition, the number 2, syllables, poems, and free/outdoor play, we also received a lot of information about the school. After a short introduction with the general director, we learned that the environment plays a big role in shaping their guidelines.
The school day ends at 1:00 PM, and then aftercare starts, which is essentially childcare/after-school supervision. Many children immediately participate in extracurricular activities after class. They can choose from swimming lessons, music lessons, dance classes, and much more!
We stayed until 2:30 PM, and then our day was done.
We are exhausted!
Oh btw: we have monkey's @ our school!!
See you soon!
1st week
03/02/2025 - 09/02/2025
After our first exhausting day, we started the rest of the week with full energy and excitement. Every single day, we were blown away by what we experienced in the classrooms.
As I mentioned before, I spent my first day with the Wild Dogs (5-6 years old), my second day with the Earth Tots (1-2 years old), my third day with the Porkypines (3-4 years old), my fourth day with the Bush Babies, and I ended my last day of the week back with the Wild Dogs.
We learned so many new things! One of the most interesting moments of the day was "family time," which is a 15-minute morning session where all the children gather together for greetings, fun dances, and important announcements. There were also weekly drama lessons, bush walks with a ranger who teaches about different animals in the bush, sports, swimming lessons, and so much more.
In the classrooms, the teachers organize wonderful activities, and everyone in the preschool works on the same theme. The themes here are slightly different from what we have in Belgium. For example, they focus on themes like "Myself," "Me and Another," and "Nature," while in Belgium, we often have themes like "Princes and Princesses," "Valentine's Day," or "Christmas."
This week was mainly about observing, getting to know these amazing teachers, assistants, and, of course, the children! Oh, and before I forget—each class here has at least one assistant! Isn't that incredible? For the youngest children, there are even more assistants—one assistant per three children!
Starting Monday, we will also begin leading some activities ourselves. I will be alternating between two different classes together with Patricia: the Bush Babies and the Wild Dogs. This weekend, I have already prepared some activities to help the children recognize and understand shapes like circles, rectangles, and triangles. We will also learn about scorpions before heading out on our bush walk!
During our free time this week, we mainly explored the supermarkets. Since we are living with five people in one house, food and drinks disappear very quickly! On Friday, we finished school a bit earlier, so we went on a little trip to the reptile park—check out this picture! Amazing, right? And it only cost 30 Rand (about 1.5€)!
On Saturday, we went on a hike with a fantastic group of people! We had to drive for over an hour, but trust me, it was totally worth it! The pictures speak for themselves! If you're ever in the area, ask for "LES"—he has a Facebook page: Hoedspruit Hiking Club. For just 70 Rand per person, you get an incredible experience in nature. And they let you swim in the waterfalls!
After the hike, we made a stop at the Mango Festival! It’s a great place to visit, especially if you're here with children. We also ran into some SCS kids there! We enjoyed delicious frozen yogurt, bought some tasty treats, and then headed home to shower and get ready for our reservation at the Maroela Bar! With live music, great food, and amazing company, it was a perfect evening!
Unfortunately, I also have some sad news to share. On Saturday morning, 15 people lost their lives in a terrible car crash. Eleven of them worked at a supermarket, and four others also tragically passed away. Yes, it's true that people here drive differently than we do in Europe. They drive on the left side, often transport multiple people in the back of pickup trucks, and overtake at high speeds. But please take a moment to consider that these people live a very different life from ours in Europe. They simply don’t have the financial means to buy a car for every individual. These families have lost their mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, and children.
May you rest in peace. We will never forget.
See you next week!
Week 2: My South African teaching adventure continues!
Time is flying by—week 2 is already over! This week, I spent three days in the first kindergarten class and two days in the third. The children and teachers are starting to recognize us, and the best part is that we are getting more opportunities to actively participate. I’ve also started taking more initiative without always asking for permission—unless I’m really unsure, in which case I ask to maintain respect. The teachers and the children are truly amazing! I feel completely at home here!
This week has been filled with new experiences, challenges, and personal growth. The differences in the education system here are striking, yet there is so much I can learn from the children, my colleagues, and the school itself.
Shapes and visual arts
The shape activity was a big success! I love engaging children through active learning, and this was the perfect example. They had so much fun running to the correct shape, especially in the second activity, where they had to collect cards and place them in the correct bins. The teacher emphasized the importance of differentiation, which made me realize how essential it is to support children at their own levels. What I found less effective was the third activity, where they had to place the shape pieces on tables. The teacher’s feedback was positive, but I personally felt there could have been more interaction or depth, even though I did not observe this part of the lesson.
During my Valentine’s Day arts and crafts activity, I noticed a significant difference in creativity compared to Belgian kindergarten classes. The children here seem to have a different approach to art and self-expression. Their imagination seemed less extensive, but they still enjoyed the activity for a full hour. It was a challenge for me to adjust my expectations and encourage the children to explore materials more freely. The teacher was impressed that they remained engaged for so long, which reinforced how valuable patience and time are in allowing children to discover things on their own.
The bush walk
The bush walk is something completely new to me, and it remains a fascinating experience to explore nature with the children. My initiative to use visual materials to engage the kids was well received by Howard, the ranger. Although he prefers other teaching methods, I realized that using visual aids, such as videos, can sometimes be an exciting surprise for the children.
Storytelling
Another moment of reflection was reading a book in English, which always makes me feel a little insecure. Although I had not prepared the book in advance, it went surprisingly well. The children were attentive and engaged, but I noticed that I struggled with some difficult words that I don’t use daily in English. This is a challenge for me, but it is helping me build more confidence in my English and my ability to read stories to young children.
Drama lessons
The drama lesson was a highlight! Teacher Maureen’s reaction was so enthusiastic that I knew I had made a real impact on future drama lessons. Taking full control of the session was nerve-wracking, especially since drama is approached differently here. The teacher was surprised by my method, and receiving such positive feedback was incredibly rewarding. This moment of autonomy gave me a new perspective on my abilities as a teacher and reinforced my belief that creativity and spontaneity are essential in education.
Sports and co-teaching
The sports activity was challenging due to heavy rain, but I was glad to step in when the sports coaches didn’t know what to do. Creating an obstacle course inside the classroom was a fun and active way to keep the children moving. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive feedback from the teachers, which gave me a sense of pride.
Inclusive learning environment
Creating an inclusive learning environment for the children turned out to be an unexpected but valuable experience. The hospital and home play areas were immediately embraced by the children, who naturally engaged in play without much instruction. It was heartwarming to see how quickly they immersed themselves in these activities, confirming for me the importance of offering open-ended, exploratory play experiences.
General school reflection
What I especially appreciate about this school is its excellent facilities. The fact that there is a swimming pool and that children have daily opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities is fantastic. The interaction with nature, through bush walks and weekly ranger visits, makes education here truly unique. The co-teaching approach, where I am given more space to take initiative, is also providing me with valuable learning opportunities.
The school seems well-equipped to support the children’s physical and cognitive needs. However, I have noticed areas for improvement, such as better visual aids for lessons and a more structured approach to welcoming the children each day. Some children struggle with fundamental concepts, such as learning the days of the week, which is something I will focus on in my future lessons.
This past week in South Africa has surprised me and helped me grow as a kindergarten teacher. What struck me immediately was the warmth and kindness of the teachers and assistants. Respect and politeness are highly valued here, and it’s wonderful to see everyone making an effort to create a positive and supportive environment for the children. This culture of respect is evident not only among colleagues but also in interactions with the children. It is inspiring to be part of this, and it gives me a deep sense of appreciation and confidence.
One of the biggest differences I’ve noticed is the learning gap compared to Belgium. In the classroom, I see that many children struggle with basic concepts such as counting, number sense, and language. For example, they do not yet know the days of the week, which is something that would be expected at this stage in Belgium. This gap presents a challenge, but also an opportunity for me to explore ways to make an impact, despite limited resources. Rather than focusing solely on the differences, I want to use what I have to create as much positive change as possible.
After-school adventures
Oh, I have so much to tell! We went for a walk in our backyard and saw so many giraffes and impalas! But in our own garden this week, we had two hyenas and a leopard—can you imagine that?!
On Friday, we visited Moholoholo, an animal rehabilitation center where injured animals are rescued and, if possible, released back into the wild. Some, unfortunately, can never return. My pictures say more than words ever could!
On Saturday, we met Jessica the hippo. We got to feed her, pet her, give her water, and even kiss her! Do you know her story?
Sunday was an unforgettable day spent with a friend from Belgium. She lives on the same estate where we are staying. So, if you want to stay here next year, feel free to email me for her contact details! We left at 5:30 AM for a safari and saw four of the Big Five! The only one we missed was the rhino. You can find photos in my gallery! We didn’t go to Kruger Park but visited a nearby reserve that is four times cheaper than Kruger. It’s definitely worth it—but you need a jeep!
In the evening, we had dinner at The Hat & Creek, which I highly recommend. Be sure to book in advance!
Africa week 2
I can’t wait to see what next week will bring!
Until then!
Week 3 in Hoedspruit!
A week of teaching, creativity, and adventure in Hoedspruit
Week 3 of my internship in Hoedspruit has come to an end—a week filled with new challenges, creative solutions, and special moments with the kindergarten children. Between all the school preparations, lesson planning, reflections, and classroom observations, we also made time for some exciting outings and experiences in the breathtaking nature of South Africa.
Teaching and learning
Helping children write their names
After reflecting on last week’s lessons, I noticed that many children struggled with recognizing and writing their names. Here, lowercase letters are introduced first, without much emphasis on uppercase letters. To support their learning, I created personalized name worksheets for each child. I focused on correct posture, pencil grip, and writing their names with the first letter capitalized and the rest in lowercase. For many, this was the first time they learned the proper way to hold a pencil, while others had to adjust their hand positioning. The worksheets remain in the classroom so they can practice daily during free play.
Puppet show: A new experience
Telling a story using puppets was an exciting experiment. The children listened attentively but found it challenging to come up with their own ending. Using their imagination, collaborating, and storytelling as a group were all new concepts for them. However, after a few examples, many of them started participating more actively. The teacher mentioned that they usually don’t practice this, so it was wonderful to see how some children became more engaged and confident.
The number ong
Since I wasn’t satisfied with the existing number songs, I decided to create my own, using the melody of The Wheels on the Bus. The classroom teacher loved it and plans to continue using it! The children also learned about the number 0, which they hadn’t been introduced to before.
Number song: 0-5
🎵 Counting fun with zero! 🎵
"Let's start with zero, oh what fun! (clap, clap)"
"Then comes number one, and then there’s two! (tap your shoe)"
"Three and four, we jump some more! (jump, jump)"
"Then comes five, now it’s time to drive. (pretend to drive a car)" 🚗
"Buckle up and let’s arrive! (pretend to fasten a seatbelt)"
Introducing yoga to the youngest learners
With my experience as a yoga instructor, I didn’t need much preparation for this activity. I introduced a simple breathing exercise along with a few yoga poses. Since they are still very young, I turned it into a game using a homemade dice and six yoga cards. The teacher was so enthusiastic that she asked me to repeat the lesson so she could integrate yoga into the daily morning routine.
Measuring with snakes
As part of the bushwalk activity on snakes, I created different colored "snakes" using rope. The children compared their lengths and searched for objects in the classroom that were shorter or longer than a given snake. They found an impressive variety of objects, which helped them develop a better understanding of measurement. The teacher found this activity so valuable that she decided to keep the materials for future lessons.
Creative stone painting: Co-teaching
All the Belgian students collected stones for their classrooms. During collaborative play, the children painted their stones, forming a long snake-like row. This was particularly special because children from different classes normally don’t work together. They loved the activity, and a small soap bath was even set up for them to wash their hands afterward.
Expressing emotions through art: The color monster
The school wasn’t familiar with The Color Monster concept, but they loved it! My mentor asked me to organize an art activity where the children created their own color monster using paint and straws. Some children didn’t know how to blow through a straw, so I guided them through the process. Instead of assigning one color per emotion, I encouraged them to use any colors that represented how they felt that day, allowing for more freedom and creativity.
A weekend of adventure and relaxation
Friday: A birthday celebration at Hat & Creek
On Friday evening, we celebrated the birthday of one of our housemates, Mona. To mark the occasion, we went out for a delicious dinner at Hat & Creek, one of the top restaurants in Hoedspruit. With its warm ambiance and excellent food, it was the perfect place to celebrate. If you ever visit Hoedspruit, this restaurant is highly recommended!
Saturday: A self-drive safari in Kruger National Park
On Saturday, four of us took a day trip to Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest and most famous wildlife reserves. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, the park is home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard), along with an incredible diversity of wildlife. We explored the park in our own car, hoping for some exciting animal encounters. While we didn’t see an overwhelming number of species, we were lucky to spot many elephants and even some jackals! The vast landscapes and untouched wilderness made the experience unforgettable.
Sunday: Hard work and a sundown safari in Khaya Ndlovu
Sunday was mostly dedicated to schoolwork, as I’m preparing to lead Family Time next week—a new and exciting challenge! After a long day of lesson planning and preparation, we treated ourselves to a sundown safari at Khaya Ndlovu, a smaller private reserve close by. The reserve is also home to the Big Five, and we were eager to see them. Unfortunately, we only found traces of their presence, but the scenery at sunset was breathtaking, making the trip worthwhile.
This week was exceptionally rainy, which meant that swimming and outdoor activities were often replaced by indoor sports in the classroom. Interestingly, the monkeys seemed to enjoy the rainy weather—they were much more active on the playground this week. I even spotted two little monkeys playing and tumbling around on the shade cloth!
Looking ahead, next week will be all about preparing for the swimming gala, where the children will showcase their progress in the water to their parents. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
This week was a perfect blend of creativity, learning, and adventure. On to the next one! 🎉✨
WEEK 4:
This week, I spent all my time in the same classroom: The Wild Dogs. The class teacher knows that I am strongly focused on language, so we concentrated on language development throughout the week. I was given a lot of freedom to adjust assignments and activities myself, which allowed me to make a real impact. Although I often receive assignments without much prior explanation, I really appreciated having the opportunity to shape language education in the classroom this time.
We focused extensively on writing our own names. We started with a practice sheet and then continued without a reference paper so that the children had to rely on their phonemic awareness. This was not easy for everyone; some still needed a visual example, while others wrote letters in reverse. However, compared to last week, we saw significant progress: almost all children were able to write their names independently!
In addition to writing exercises, we worked with stories. I read aloud daily, and although I am aware that I might make pronunciation mistakes in English, I keep going. I now understand better how it feels for children learning in a different language. That feeling of uncertainty makes me even more motivated to help them. This week, I was handed a book just two minutes before reading it aloud. That made me nervous since I couldn't prepare, but in the end, it went well. These moments teach me to be flexible and trust my improvisation skills.
One of the highlights of the week was the finger puppet activity. We discussed different family structures, and I introduced the song "Daddy Finger, Daddy Finger, Where Are You?" with homemade finger puppets. The children got to draw their own families and turn them into puppets. Everyone was super engaged, and even after 35 minutes, they were still enthusiastically working!
During Family Time, I take the lead every day, and the children have already gotten used to it. They are always enthusiastic, and the teachers happily participate. Today, the youngest children joined as well, and I was impressed by how well they listened and engaged! The English song "Hokey Pokey" was new for me, but the children loved it.
At The Bushlore, I prepared a sensory activity: a tub filled with water beads hiding toy lizards. The children had to feel without looking, which resulted in lots of fun. I also had to figure out how to support the lesson without interfering with the ranger’s way of working, as he is very attached to his own methods. In the end, everything went smoothly, and I managed to capture some videos for The Internationalist.
Drama class was another big success! The external teacher liked my previous drama lesson so much that she asked me to lead another session next week. Of course, I am happy to do so!
Mathematics is usually not something I am much involved in, but this week, I had the chance to lead a session. I tried a different approach to see if the children would grasp concepts more quickly. Whether this method worked, I will only know in the coming days.
The classroom setup and the lack of materials continue to catch my attention. The school does not receive subsidies or budgets for materials, meaning teachers and assistants must be very creative. Assistants here earn much less and receive no financial support. One assistant shared that her daughter excels in sports and often competes, but the school charges her 500 Rand for transport—a significant portion of her salary. This deeply moved me, as it highlights the scarcity of resources despite the immense dedication and love that thrive here.
Friday was special because of the swimming gala. The weather had been bad in recent weeks, so we took extra time today to practice. The children learned how to enter, walk, and find their place. It was an intensive two-hour preparation, but they absolutely loved it.
Additionally, the school is preparing for its 27th anniversary. Children can sell raffle tickets for 5€ each (a huge amount here) to win prizes such as a weekend in Kruger Park or a helicopter flight. The contrast between the financial struggles of some families and these luxurious prizes continues to surprise me.
This week, I have learned so much, not only about language development in young children but also about the reality in which this school operates. The lack of resources is a major challenge, but the passion and love of the teachers and assistants more than make up for it.
The fact that I am given so much responsibility has made me more confident. While I was initially afraid to speak English or lead an activity independently, I now feel much stronger in my role. The gratitude and appreciation from the children and teachers give me so much energy. I feel so at home here that I don’t want to leave!
Next week, I will be with the Bush Babies!
We also had an amazing weekend. We rented a jeep with a rooftop tent from HOGS in Hoedspruit and drove to Kruger Park, spending the entire weekend there. We drove up to the Phalaborwa Gate and then continued north, spending our first night at the Tsendze Camp—a super small camping spot, perfect for campers who enjoy solitude. Well, solitude from other people at least, because the animals kept us awake all night: elephants, lions, hyenas, and more.
The next day, we continued further north, all the way to the top! We reached the tri-border point where Kruger Park meets Mozambique and Zimbabwe. We spent the night at Punda Maria and then exited through the Orpen Gate on Sunday. Along the way, we saw so many animals: lions, elephants, crocodiles, rare birds, snakes, frogs, buffaloes, wild dogs, impalas, hippos, ostriches, and many more! Unfortunately, we didn’t spot a rhino or cheetah, which was what we were hoping for.
Kruger Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the famous Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. While we didn’t see all of them, we were lucky enough to spot many other fascinating animals. The park is also known for its vast landscapes, from open savannas to dense forests and riverbeds, providing habitats for countless species. Birdwatchers can find rare species such as the Southern ground hornbill and martial eagle, while reptile lovers can encounter crocodiles, pythons, and various lizard species. Every corner of Kruger tells a unique story of survival and coexistence between species, making it one of the most breathtaking wildlife reserves in the world.
I am already looking forward to next week and can’t wait to see what new experiences and insights await me!
WEEK 5
This week during my internship in South Africa was once again a rich experience, filled with diverse teaching moments and cultural discoveries. I taught lessons on shapes, guided creative activities, organized bush walks, read stories in English, and encouraged the children during sports and drama. Teaching about shapes proved to be challenging, as some children still struggled with basic forms. However, by using concrete materials and repetition, I saw gradual progress. The creative activities provided the children with a platform to express their creativity, while the bush walks allowed us to learn together about South Africa’s rich flora and fauna, sparking the children’s curiosity.
Reading aloud in English was both a challenge and a learning opportunity. Some children didn’t immediately understand certain words, which led me to come up with alternative strategies, such as visual support and the use of body language. It was inspiring to see how they gradually understood more and reacted enthusiastically to the stories. Drama and sports offered playful moments where I could observe and guide the children's social interactions.
Inclusion remains a central theme during my internship. I notice that there is a need for more visual support in the classroom to enhance the children's understanding. Although the lack of resources and structure makes differentiation difficult, I try to improve this through small adjustments, such as using pictograms and simple schedules. The collaboration with the teacher and assistants is going smoothly, and I truly appreciate the openness and support I receive.
This week has once again taught me a lot about flexibility and creativity in education. Working with limited resources challenges me to come up with new solutions and engage the children in a playful way in their learning process. I am looking forward to building on these experiences next week and contributing even more to an inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
Beyond my teaching experiences, I had the chance to explore some local highlights this weekend. On Saturday evening, we dined at The Brewery, located next to the entrance of Khaya Ndlovu. This place is known for its delicious sushi and pizzas, and it did not disappoint. The combination of a relaxed atmosphere and excellent food made for a memorable evening.
On Sunday, we decided to explore the famous Panorama Route, a scenic route in the Mpumalanga province known for its breathtaking views and natural wonders. Our first stop was at The Three Rondavels, three massive rock formations resembling traditional African huts. The view of the Blyde River Canyon from this point was truly impressive.
Next, we visited Lowveld View Point, a freely accessible location that offers a panoramic view of the canyon and the surrounding landscapes. It was a serene place where we could take in the vastness of nature.
Our journey then took us to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a fascinating geological phenomenon where centuries of water erosion have carved cylindrical shapes into the rock. The walkways and bridges provided us with a unique perspective of these natural sculptures.
We continued our route to Berlin Falls, an 80-meter-high waterfall that, with its powerful flow and lush surrounding vegetation, was a breathtaking sight. Not far from there were the Lisbon Falls, the highest waterfalls in the region at 92 meters, where the water cascades down in three streams.
One of the highlights of the day was God’s Window, a viewpoint on the Drakensberg Escarpment. After a short hike, we reached the rainforest area, where we were surrounded by lush vegetation and a sense of serenity. Even though it was crowded, it did not take away from the beauty of the place.
Our final stop was Graskop, a charming town known for its delicious pancakes and numerous small shops. We enjoyed a well-deserved meal and browsed through local crafts, making for the perfect end to our day.
These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the natural and cultural richness of South Africa. I look forward to discovering even more of this beautiful country during my stay.
Unfortunately, tomorrow marks the beginning of my final week here!
I have mixed feelings about it—I’m excited to return to my little ones at home, but South Africa has truly stolen my heart.
I’ll share how next week unfolds soon!
My final week in South Africa: A heartfelt goodbye
This past week has been an emotional rollercoaster, filled with intense learning moments, valuable experiences, and heartwarming connections with the children and teachers. My last days at this incredible school are unforgettable and will forever leave a deep impression on me.
My last days with the Bush Babies
I had the privilege of taking full charge of the Bush Babies, which was an amazing experience. We started the day with a morning routine discussing attendance, emotions, and the calendar. One of the activities was a 'Show and Tell' game focused on the letter E, where children had to remember which objects had disappeared. It was a fantastic exercise for their observation and memory skills, though I noticed that replacing objects made it too challenging. A valuable lesson for my future teaching approach!
Later, we played a scent game using oil, cocoa, and peanut butter. The children loved using their senses and exploring together. The worktables focused on the letter E were a great success, and the class teacher was so impressed that she wanted to keep everything. That moment of appreciation filled me with joy and reassured me that my efforts made a difference.
An unplanned yet incredible success was the talking sticks activity. Each child got a chance to share about their weekend, and to my surprise, their classmates listened attentively and with respect. This was a beautiful example of language development and social learning, and I will definitely implement this in my classroom in Belgium.
Observing grade one with Teacher Evans
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to observe Grade One with Teacher Evans, an exceptional teacher with over 30 years of experience. What stood out the most was how she adapted her lessons to real-life experiences. In the morning, the children discovered hyena tracks, and later in the day, she turned it into a learning opportunity by making plaster prints together. This was a perfect example of experiential learning and how teachers can tap into children's natural curiosity.
The math lessons were also fascinating to observe. The children were already working with number patterns of 2, 3, 5, and 10 and adding up to 50. However, I noticed that some children struggled with the transition between tens, and while the teacher attempted to explain it with an outdoor activity, I wondered if all the students truly grasped it. This was an insightful learning moment for me as a future teacher.
My last days with the Wild Dogs
I was responsible for a rotation station focused on number splitting, a math concept that some children found challenging. I adjusted my explanations for each group, and soon, I realized that hands-on examples helped them understand faster. This reinforced my belief in the importance of differentiation and step-by-step guidance.
We also worked on the letter N through playful activities like 'Broken Telephone' and acting out words. The children not only recognized the sound but also created their own words. As a creative activity, they made 'Noodle Necklaces.' Despite the lack of play corners in this school, I saw how meaningful and effective playful learning could be.
Friday was deeply emotional. Our last day started with gifts from the teachers and children, which truly touched my heart. During the swimming lesson, I assisted from the sidelines, which made me appreciate even more how valuable these movement activities are for the children.
During break time, Patricia and I spontaneously started face painting. The line kept getting longer, and soon, the entire school was filled with smiling faces adorned with flowers and pirate scars. The teachers were enthusiastic and captured the moment in numerous photos—a memory I will cherish forever.
As my final activity, I led a team-building game called 'Where is the Photographer?' where children had to work together in groups. Although it mostly went well, I noticed that some children preferred working individually. This was a great learning moment for me in guiding group dynamics.
When the moment of farewell arrived, emotions overwhelmed me. The teachers, the children, the entire team—they made me feel like I belonged. I received an 'African Goodbye' book as a keepsake, which deeply moved me. With tears in my eyes, I said goodbye, knowing this experience had profoundly changed me as a person and as a teacher.
Gratitude
This internship was so much more than just a learning experience—it was an adventure, an emotional journey, and an experience that touched my heart. I have seen how resilient children are, how quality education can be provided with limited resources, and how culture and education go hand in hand.
I take so much with me back to Belgium: the importance of experiential learning, the power of learning through play, the value of inclusion, and above all, the love and passion for teaching. The children here have given me so much—their enthusiasm, curiosity, hugs, and laughter. The teachers have inspired me to step into education with an open mind and a big heart.
This internship has only strengthened my dream of becoming a teacher. I hope to return to South Africa one day—to learn again, to give back, and perhaps to bring something valuable to the place that has given me so much.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
Friday’s farewell was incredibly difficult. The teachers spoiled me with gifts, endless hugs, and heartfelt thank-yous. Saying goodbye to the children was equally tough—I love each and every one of them. During this time, I missed my own two children so much, but the love and respect I received from these South African children filled that empty space in my heart completely.
Saying goodbye to the assistants and teachers was also heavy. Patricia and I organized a thank-you dinner at the school, serving snacks and drinks to express our gratitude for being welcomed into the team as true members. There were many tears, many hugs, and plenty of laughter as we reminisced about shared memories.
What I will definitely take with me is the freedom of lessons, Bushlore, moments of respect, and the emphasis on family time—things I will incorporate into my own classroom in Belgium.
For our last weekend, we took it easy. Before leaving, we invited one of the assistants for a swim and a braai at our house. The assistants are incredibly kind and would do anything for you—their respect is beyond words. Even now, tears flow as I write this and relive these moments.
On Friday evening, we had a sundowner in our estate’s bush garden—the perfect farewell: a picnic among giraffes and zebras with a refreshing African beer.
On Saturday, we bought our final souvenirs and packed our luggage. That evening, we did a game drive and, with a stroke of luck, saw two hyenas. We also admired the breathtaking starry sky under a full moon. The night sky here is entirely different from home—so visible, bright, and vast. The Milky Way is an unforgettable sight.
And so, we spent one last night in our home before departing with heavy hearts to the airport on Sunday, ready for a 20-hour flight. While I was excited to reunite with my children, leaving such an incredible place was bittersweet.
They have not only made me a better teacher but also a better person. I have learned so much about myself, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Special Thanks To:
- Teacher Glenda and assistant Lifey (Wild Dog Class)
- Teacher Tash and assistant Ntsako (Bush Baby Class)
- Heather (Head of Kindergarten)
- All the other teachers, assistants, and friends I made along the way!
I hope one day to return with my husband and kids.
See you later, Hoedspruit! ❤️
