Be passionate about the profession, principal advises teachers

A DURBAN principal who was honoured at the National Teacher Awards said teachers need to develop critical thinkers with enquiring minds.

Rishichand Sookai Budhal received the Lifetime Achievement and Contribution to Education Award at the National Teacher Awards, hosted by the Department of Basic Education at Emperors Palace in Gauteng.

He said the experience was a very rewarding one.

“I am content that my contribution in education has been recognised nationally,” said Budhal, who is principal of Rose Heights Primary in Chatsworth.

With 40 years of service in education, Budhal has served as principal for 25 years. He was also principal of Cliffdale Primary.

Following in the footsteps of his late father who was an educator, together with his passion for the advancement of society through education, was what influenced him to choose teaching as a career.

Budhal, 61, of Queensburgh, is also a registered psychologist.

The father of three attributed his success to his keen interest in education research. He carried out research on numerous topics related to child and adolescent development as well as on topics in educational management.

He also published five books on topics which include The Development of Interest in Mathematics Among Secondary School Learners, Measurement of Aggression Among Junior Primary Learners, The Socially Isolated Child At School and The Role Of The Principal As An Instructional

Leader On The Culture Of Teaching And Learning In Schools.

Budhal said his school is one of the most sought after schools in Chatsworth because of its high standards and the provision of quality education.

He said he was able to adapt to the challenges of Covid-19 and displayed clear leadership in managing the school.

“With my expertise as a psychologist I was able to devise programmes to alleviate the fears and anxieties of his staff and pupils through fun-filled activities.

“I am presently preparing teachers

to address the challenges in education with respect to the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he said.

His advice to younger teachers is to be passionate about their profession.

“If they are just doing it for the salary then they won’t contribute to education as a whole. One needs to empower oneself with content, global changes and challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“Teachers need to develop critical thinkers with enquiring minds. They must get their pupils ready for the future and get involved in robotics and coding,” he said.