Through their efforts, would-be students from the Overstrand who face challenges with the lack of financial support for their studies, accommodation and transport to and from the centre of study, are now able to study from their place of home and work.
Theo’s vision for the young people of this region is for them not only to obtain a qualification, but also to be employable. It is common knowledge that having a qualification is no guarantee of employment.
As Theo is quick to point out to potential funders and students, with an existing and worsening shortage of Foundation Phase educators, our STADIO students will not only find employment, but will have been prepared through the support offered by the OLH programme to become excellent teachers.
The donations needed to fund our students, of whom 98% require some degree of financial support, can only be raised if people know what OLH stands for and does. It is for this reason that Theo works tirelessly to make the communities of the Overstrand aware of the opportunities offered by studying through STADIO and the supportive role played by the OLH.
A word from Uncle Theo...
Next to our front door is a mirror, and around its border are these words in mosaic that Angie made, and whenever I stop to read them, more and more their truth hits the spot, every time.
‘When you look into the mirror and you don't like the person looking back at you ... then something definitely needs to change.’
Truth is, the way you feel about yourself is in direct proportion to the way you treat everyone else.
So, what I'm saying is that making friends with yourself, or even starting to like yourself, bit by bit, is probably the most important thing you can do if you want to live a life worth living - one that is reasonably fulfilling and meaningful. And this is especially true when you are in a position of influencing people, such as being a teacher.
We can all remember Miss So-and-So, the angry, frustrated, and often cruel teacher that we all had at school, and more so in primary school, and the way that she made us 'feel' about ourselves ....
You may have forgotten what was said to you, or what was given to you, or even what people looked like - but the way that they made you feel will last forever.
I can't even remember what she looked like, Miss Blondie.
But I can still remember how I would get on my little red push scooter and go down the hill in Suidrand, Kroonstad, often at three or four in the afternoon to go and visit Miss Blondie.
Often, she would still be in her Sub A classroom working. She would light up like the sun when she saw me at the door and the next hour or so would be just ... magical.
And as a very insecure and uncertain five-year-old child, I needed her like I needed, well, the sun.
But oh Lord - When I got to Sub B the next year, there was Mrs D, the dragon!
I remember them both so, so, so well, and will do for the rest of my life, just for the way that they made me 'feel'.
Looking back all those fifty-eight years ago, I know for sure that Miss Blondie was at peace with herself - and that Mrs D couldn't stand the sight of herself.
They both shaped me into the person I am today. One for the good, the other for ... ai ai ai!
I've over the years learned a few lessons about making friends with yourself.
One of the lessons is definitely to try as much as you possibly can to surround yourself with people who make you feel valued, accepted, and who inspire you upwards.
And this is what I see at the Hub and what I want the people reading this to know. I see students and tutors and staff who care for one another and have each other's backs – I see your and my children and grandchildren’s future.