As an Australian, this is difficult to fathom, but in South Africa, it is a common practice.
And it is where Vasantha Govender’s story begins.
“We were extremely poor,” she said.
“My grandparents were of the opinion that you only needed education to a certain point, and thereafter, you would need to go out and work to support the family.
“Working and literally earning $5 a week put me in a mindset that I wanted to finish my education.”
Only after getting married was Vasantha able to complete her high school studies, and in doing so, a realisation took root: the education system had to change.
“The best way to change it? Because I was so inspired when my teachers schooled me, I went down the path of ‘Okay, what can I do to become a teacher?’” she said.
“I didn’t want people within my community ever to think that education has to stop because of your circumstances.”
Vasantha is living proof that education is always attainable, even in adversity.
Perhaps that’s why she is such a good fit for Banmira Specialist School.
Vasantha arrived on Australian shores in December 2023, initially teaching at a school in Melton West before taking a position at Banmira.
“I must say, coming here was a really daunting experience, but it’s been absolutely amazing,” she said.
“The staff are something out of a playbook, they are so supportive, and the school has an amazing system that welcomes new teachers and makes them feel valued.”
The educator is driven more by mission than money.
Unfortunately, money makes the world go round – and it’s contributed to her family’s stagnation.
Navigating the Department of Home Affairs has been met with a maze of dead ends, barring her husband and sons from joining her in pursuit of a better future in Australia.
“That’s been the hardest part – not having that family support,” Vasantha said.
“It is an expensive trip to Australia alone, and when you take in all of the visa requirements and medicals you must do at your own cost, it becomes too much.
“I can’t live in a country for another few years without my family, it would be a case of me walking away, which is the hardest thing I will have to do.”
Faith in her future in Australia is crumbling, yet Vasantha remains a pillar of Banmira, dedicating herself to her students’ learning and keeping her spark for educating alight.
“My passion is to get some education out to these kids ... I want to make a difference,” she said.
– Taylah Baker
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