In 1983, I started to teach at Phoenix Secondary School as one of the first staff members of the newly opened school. I was appointed as headmaster in 1999 at the age of 40. As a young, energetic and idealistic headmaster, I set myself two goals, i.e. to enhance and improve the quality of teaching and to broaden the student’s worldview to extend beyond Manenberg. Within three years our results improved so dramatically that the school was presented with the very prestigious „The Most Improved School“ award. This led to the school being invited by the Minister of Education to attend the budget speech in parliament.
I encouraged my students to join interfaith organisations at school level to broaden their perspectives on religious diversity and this initiative led to some students being invited to attend a conference in London in the UK. This was the start of my students realising there is a world beyond Manenberg. When we made contact with Kreisgymnasium Heinsberg via Mrs Krewald, I realised that my goal for my students is being reached. It resulted in the first trip to Germany, hosted by Kreisgymnasium Heinsberg, for eight students accompanied by myself and another teacher.
