Susanna Oosthuizen
Director, Project Manager, and Communicator in Nelspruit, South Africa
My interest in education stems from a desire to be part of the solution that improves the quality of life for all South Africans. I am currently playing my part in this movement as a Director at Penreach, a social impact organisation based in Mpumalanga.
Since graduating from UP in 2001 with an honours degree in Information Science, I have gained experience in a variety of industries, including education, which lead to my pursuing a PGCE through NWU.
I am interested in:
- Problems. Indeed, because I am convinced that there is a solution to every problem!
- Social dynamics, because I see how communities react to their circumstances and find their own unique solutions.
- Systemic change - need I say more?
- Innovation, because therein lies the sustainable and scalable solutions!
- Collaboration, because no one can be everything to everyone.
Some of the things I do on a regular basis:
- Engage with thought leaders in the fields of Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Literacy around challenges, current projects, research and possible solutions.
- Work with a dedicated team to conceptualise feasible interventions that address these challenges within Mpumalanga.
- Unfortunately, I also have to spend a considerable amount of time doing the paperwork that our great ideas create!
- Manage the communication and marketing strategies for our organisation to communicate our impact and create an awareness of the educational landscape in Mpumalanga.
- Visit ECD Centres and schools and speak to teachers, school leaders and parents about their perspective on the educational needs of the children in their care.
- As part of the Med ICT in Education corps at UJ, I now also have the opportunity to broaden my knowledge (considerably!) and hopefully start on the route toward becoming a thought leader on how technology can be incorporated into educational interventions on all levels.
- Living in the Lowveld ensures that I can enjoy the almost limitless hiking opportunities with my partner and our little dog, Yuki. You can follow our Lowveld adventures via my Instagram account @oostsanna
What I hope to gain from my learning efforts:
- The ability to move my focus from the local, to the national, the global and back to the local.
- Practical skills & knowledge to any team seeking to ensure educational excellence in any context.
- Participate with confidence in conversations about ICT in education.