For Nadia Davids teaching is not a job but a passion. And when the bell rings at 15:00 this afternoon (28 February) for teachers to exit Sunderland Primary School, Davids will depart for the last time as she takes a much-needed break following a 40-year stint in the education sector.
The Grade-two teacher retires today after 37 years at the school.
Davids (65) says she started at the school as a Grade 4 teacher.
The Kensington resident says she is passionate about education. “I love the interaction with the children. You see them at the beginning of the year and you look at them thinking how are we going to cross this bridge? Then in December, you see what they have achieved because of what you as a teacher have done; that for me is the cherry on the cake.”
According to Davids, knowing that she is making a difference in a child’s life is what kept her motivated throughout her career.
“For me, it is about getting the children from one level to the next. For some of the children I am teaching now, I have taught their parents.
Davids explains that she always encourages learners to strive to succeed – the motto of the school.
“These are my children and I want them to achieve all their goals. I always tell them they can become the next president of the country and one child laughed. So, I told him it is possible. I always tell them they can become anything that they want. They can only do that by learning, reading and coming to school.”
The teacher says seeing her learners excel after they have finished school makes all the challenges worth it.
“One of my former learners came to me once and told me it’s because of me that she has her own business and for me, that makes it all worth it. I had a boy in my class once who couldn’t read and I sat with him. Eventually, the first thing he could read was the Bible. After that, he couldn’t wait to read. That makes you feel good.”
She emphasises that support from parents is imperative.
“If you have the parents involved, then you can achieve anything.”
Davids encourages teachers to always give their best.
“Enjoy what you are doing and come prepared. Give the learners the love and respect that you give your children. It’s a thankless job, but if you put in what you need to put in, you can go home and feel good knowing you’ve done your bit.”
She also calls on learners to remain disciplined and to respect their educators.
“Respect your educator because what they are putting in is for you to achieve your goals. Just as you would respect your parent at home, so you should respect your teacher.”
Davids will not only be missed by her learners but also by her peers.
Natalie Roman, Deputy Principal, says she has worked with Davids for over 30 years.
“She always had a passion for education and the learners. She loves giving to others, but finds it difficult when she must receive things.”
Shafiek Adjiet, Deputy Principal, says Davids was always ready to roll up her sleeves and do whatever it takes to see to the needs of the school and the learners.
Edward Rabie, School Principal, describes the teacher as an all-rounder who was always ready to assist. “She is a kind-hearted person with a strong demeanour. We have a few young teachers and staff, she was always ready and willing to mentor them. We will miss her.”
Davids says she is grateful for the support from her husband Mogamat-Salie and two children Nabuweyah and Irshaad for supporting her throughout her career. “My daughter used to be my personal assistant, my son would supply me with food when I was busy and could not cook and my husband was my go-to person whenever I needed something to be done at school. Without them, I would not have made it.”
When asked what she will be doing next, Davids says she is ready to sit back and relax.
“I don’t think I ever had the luxury of doing nothing because I used to do schoolwork on weekends and after school. For now I want to relax and enjoy every minute of my retirement. I wish the school and teachers all the best for the future.
