Vuyiseka’s Story

“In 2011, I was unemployed, and it was difficult to find a job. I decided to apply to Boland College for the Level 4 course in Early Childhood Development. I was accepted to start studying in February 2012. In December 2011, my younger sister approached me for a relief assistant teacher position at her workplace; she knew how much I loved children. This love developed from a young age as I used to look after my cousin after school. I enjoyed feeding him and making sure he was not alone. I would rush from school to go home and look after him. My aunt had no problem leaving me with her young one as she knew he was in good hands.

On the last day of school at Auburn House, I was called for an interview and was introduced to this wonderful method of teaching called Montessori. It was my first time hearing of such a teaching method, as I was used to old traditional teachings. The teacher directs everything, and the children follow the teacher’s schedule for the day. While in the Montessori environment, the children are given the opportunity and freedom of choice to choose whatever activities appeal to them.

In January 2012, I started at Auburn House, and it was an amazing experience to observe the children working and see the new children introduced to the new environment. I fell in love with the Montessori method as it was very different from the traditional method. I worked at Auburn for two months. When I spoke with Sally, who was the principal at the time, I explained to her how much I loved what I was exposed to and that it was my desire one day to take it to the township. I felt it was important for the children to be taught in this method as it was so disciplined, and to also teach the children about Christ.

When the opportunity from ETDP SETA came to empower women with methods to learn and find jobs, Sally informed both my sister and me so that we could gain a qualification. Sally and Xoliswa (the IsiXhosa teacher at Auburn House at the time) helped us with the application process. We started at the Indaba Institute in 2012, part-time in Early Childhood Development Montessori, and graduated in September 2014. I started to work at Blue Moon from 2013 until December 2014 as an Aftercare teacher and an isiXhosa teacher for 3–6-year-olds. I gained so much experience, and in my heart, I was filled with the desire to open my own ECD even though I was still in need of finances and gaining more experience.

In December 2014, I was contacted by Niki to come for an interview in Sea Point. After I met with Niki and Becky, I got the job and started in January 2015 at the Vukuzenzele Educare. I was the principal, and I enjoyed working in this township in Philippi as I realized that I got the opportunity to fulfill my desire to teach what I had learnt in our townships. I worked at Vukuzenzele for six months; I oversaw the classes and the staff.

There were two classrooms with approximately forty children before starting to work at the Life Child Preschool in July 2015. Today, I am still working there, and through Life Child, I was able to study for my Level 5 National Diploma for Pre-Primary (ECD). I had to take a year off after I got sick at the beginning of the year. However, I plan to continue with my studies. After which, I will get my second qualification. It has been such a wonderful experience to work with Life Child. I have realized that this is where my dreams have been met. I not only teach Montessori, but I also have the opportunity to share the Word of God with the children. A highlight for me is that it is always amazing to see our ex-graduates who come to see us. Some come to borrow books from our little library to enrich their knowledge and have a love for reading.”

In loving memory of Vuyiseka

Vuyiseka passed away in August 2026 after faithfully serving at Life Child Preschool for 11 years. She was a beloved principal, teacher, a woman of deep faith, and a passionate champion for children.

Vuyiseka loved Jesus with all her heart and dedicated her life to nurturing, teaching, and encouraging young children. Her influence will continue through the many children, families, colleagues, and communities she touched.

We thank God for the gift of her life and ask that you keep her daughter, sisters, and extended family in prayer. The seeds she planted continue to grow. Her life was a blessing, her memory is a treasure, and her legacy will live on.