Nadira teaches primary and high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds in a semirural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She serves learners from low socioeconomic backgrounds, often in mud homes, and many of her students speak isiZulu at home. Nadira builds their English proficiency and self-esteem, both crucial for their success in higher education. She provides extra tuition on weekends helping her students excel and secure university scholarships. Nadira uses visual learning and role-playing techniques and receives support from organisations like Zappy, which provided tablets for remote learning during COVID-19. Her efforts focus on preparing students for a better future.
Listen to Nadira
“What we find amongst our learners in the rural parts of our province is that they have a low self-esteem because they do not have that parental support or they do not have that confidence that’s built up from birth. Hence, the learners are very very afraid when it comes to speaking English.”
Nadira Maharaj
Nadira Maharaj
Nadira Maharaj (PhD) is a South African educator with over 30 years of experience. She is the Deputy Principal at a full-service school in Umlazi and is recognized for her work in inclusive education. She holds a PhD in Curriculum Studies and serves as the Honorary Mission Director for the Global Council of Digital Equity, Literacy, Safety, and Inclusion. She is also deeply involved in teacher development and has received several accolades, including nominations for National Teachers Awards.
