Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School principal, Belinda Petersen, has been commemorated for becoming a finalist for two categories at the Accenture 9th Gender Mainstreaming Awards. Head of Music and Creative Arts at Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School, Hendrik Marais was a runner-up for the Kader Asmal Excellence award at this year’s National Teachers Awards (NTA) provincial awards ceremony.
With nearly two decades of experience in the education sector, no stranger to school leadership. Belinda Petersen was recognized as a winner for Positive Role Model Regional and second-place for Inclusive Leader Regional and Southern Africa. Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School were also finalists in the following categories: fourth-place for Women on Boards Award, fifth-place for Investing in Young Women Award, and fourth-place for Women Empowerment in the Workplace Award. With well over 70 entries received and only 23 winners and finalists selected.
“It is vital to show young children, especially young girls, that they can achieve anything. I wanted young girls to see that the only limitations we place on ourselves are the limitations we place on ourselves. I am humbled to be the recipient of such a prestigious award.” Belinda Petersen
The Gender Mainstreaming Awards are an initiative by Business Engage and were established by Colleen Larsen, the chief executive of Business Engage. The organisation is at the forefront of innovation and gender mainstreaming within the private sector. Larsen explained that the Gender Mainstreaming Awards were centered around showcasing corporations and individuals that are creating inclusive spaces and incorporating gender mainstreaming within corporations. The awards are sponsored by ABSA, Barloworld, in association with Sunday Times, 360% Club, and South Africa Human Rights Commission.
The Kader Asmal Excellence Award seeks to recognise educators who, in their work, demonstrate the key values that were a hallmark of Prof Asmal‘s leadership. Head of Music and Creative Arts, Hendrik Marais, who was runner up for the Kader Asmal Excellence award at this year’s NTA provincial awards ceremony, believes that educators and music education play a vital role in addressing injustices our nation faces.
“After 15 years the answer to why I do things the way I do suddenly arrived. This award must actually go to every teacher, brave enough to teach in the rural areas – where there is absolutely nothing – no resource – no fancy interactive boards – no one singing your praises, to be the best possible teacher you can be and to create extraordinary learning experiences for every child you work with, you can only rely on the power of your own passion, respect for every learner and your belief in every child….that’s all you need to create lasting impressions” Hendrik Marais
ENDS.
About Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School
Rustenburg Girls’ Junior is a beautiful school in the heart of Rondebosch. Although we cherish the traditions of our long history, our girls are provided with an excellent 21st century academic, sporting, and cultural programme. The school is a happy, vibrant, and caring place and has a strong sense of purpose. Learning is important! The knowledge and skills learnt in the classroom are linked to the life lessons learnt during sport, music, cultural and community service activities. Teamwork, dedication, hard work, respect, consideration, and compassion for those less fortunate are some of the values we hold dear. Our girls are encouraged to develop thinking, problem solving and research skills and to reach their unique potential. There is something for everyone at Rustenburg and the girls embrace the opportunities provided. They are enthusiastic, energetic, and excited by each new experience.
For more information please contact:
Marketing and Communications Officer
Thapelo Phukuje
Mobile: 079 425 4914
Tel: 021 689 1981
Fax: 021 686 7106
