It’s certainly true that education can change lives – which is something that an organisation like ORT SA Cape sees happening all the time. One of their greatest success stories is Lee Dirks, a Cape Town woman in her 40s.
Lee relates that she “believed retail was…[her]…only option” as regards a job because, in her community, the options relating to career choice were limited. Having spent over 15 years in the retail industry, she found herself increasingly dissatisfied, and “realised that I was missing numerous special occasions and family gatherings because of my work. Eventually, I reached a breaking point with retail and chose to leave without a clear plan, driven by the conviction that I needed to pursue a different path.”
Lee already understood the benefits that further education and training can bring, having taken a number of courses while working and getting her driver’s licence. When she left her job in retail, she took up a position as a teacher’s assistant in a school, and there she learned about ORT’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) courses. “Working with children made me realise that this was the missing piece in my life,”she explains. “The knowledge I gained was invaluable, revealing to me that a child’s brain is akin to a sponge, eager to absorb information and curious about the world around them. I thoroughly enjoyed working with children.” Today Lee works at Herzlia Kerem Pre-Primary School as a secretary.
Lee’s ECD studies were partially interrupted by the start of the Covid pandemic, and learning had to move online. But, as Lee explains, “Fortunately, we had exceptional mentors available for support at any hour, guiding us through each step of the process.” Graduating in December 2021, Lee’s commitment and abilities were acknowledged when she was named as the recipient of the Top Achievers Award. “I am immensely grateful for the incredible opportunity provided by ORT SA Cape,” she comments.
With the drive to constantly improve herself and learn more, Lee completed the Level 5 programme in Early Childhood Development offered through another organisation, again graduating as the top achiever. She was awarded her qualification Summa Cum Laude, recognition of her academic prowess.
And her academic journey continues: she is currently in the second year of a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree through UNISA.
Despite facing many challenges during her years of study, Lee encourages young people to persevere, even when faced with difficulties. “Learning is a lifelong journey that enriches one’s life,”she concludes. ●
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