Ivy Nompumelelo Mdabe joined the staff of Makabongwe Methodist Pre-School on the 1st July 2003.
She is currently our longest serving staff member.
Ivy started as a teacher assistant to our previous headmistress, Mrs Yell, to gain a good foundation and experience in her chosen field of profession – as an early childhood development educator.
Ivy had already completed a Diploma in Educare allowing her to practice as a teacher assistant.
Her dream was to establish her own Day Care Centre but due to financial constraints she could not realise this dream.
Ivy recognised a great need for Day Care centres in her own community as parents struggled to work and look after children who would benefit from a pre-school education
However, this did not stop Ivy dreaming and she pursued her tertiary studies. At Makabongwe she had discovered her own passion for teaching – both children and adults and completed a Higher Certificate in Adult Basic Education and Training achieving NQF Level 5 in April 2009.
Ivy was still eager to pursue her qualifications in education and registered with UNISA for Intermediate and Senior Phase in 2010 – (Grade 4 – 9)
Ivy’s persistence, determination and commitment are to be commended as she continued with her Bachelor of Education in spite of personal challenges
For many years Ivy looked after her ageing and ailing parents and produced and is raising 2 beautiful children, Luthando currently at Makabongwe Grade R and Lubanzi born on 10th June 2017.
She also cares for other family member children and returns home every day to cook, clean and care for them.
On 29th May 2018 Ivy graduated at the Durban Exhibition Centre with her Bachelor of Education.
This was indeed a celebration of persistence and commitment.
Ivy pays tribute to her late parents who were a tower of strength and support even though they could not provide financial assistance.
They would be extremely proud of their daughter today, as we, her colleagues at Makabongwe are.
WELL DONE IVY
Ivy is the only daughter out of 6 children – Emmanuel is the 3rd oldest brother..