Meet Simangaliso Dhlamini, a teacher at Shea O’Connor Combined School and an unstoppable force in Nottingham Road. Shea O’Connor is a no-fee school serving 654 learners with 22 teachers, resulting in a pupil-teacher ratio of 30:1. Despite limited resources and only one sports field, the school’s Grade 12 cohort achieved a 100% matric pass rate last year, thanks to Simangaliso’s determination and the unwavering commitment of the teaching staff.
Simangaliso has now embarked on a ground-breaking UK exchange program. This is not merely a trip—it is a strategic mission to dismantle systemic barriers plaguing under-resourced Midlands schools: stressed leadership, teacher shortages, outdated infrastructure, and technology gaps that perpetuate subpar educational outcomes. Armed with grit and vision, Simangaliso is immersing herself in cutting-edge educational systems and global knowledge-sharing to revolutionize teaching practices. Imagine functional Wi-Fi, inspiring classrooms, and tools that propel students into the 21st century.
How Has St. Peters Added Value to Shea O’Connor?
- Rencor Fist Aid training Shea O’Connor.
- Curtains to block out light when projecting in the classroom.
- Flight ticket for Mr Dlamini.
- Eduhelper stipend.
- 10 solar panels that ensure constant power supply.
- Pen palling.
- Special occasions uniform.
- Travel costs for principal’s visits to St Peters in the past years
Purpose of the Visit
The exchange program offers transformative benefits for Shea O’Connor’s teachers, learners, and traditional educational frameworks. Designed to promote cultural immersion, professional development, and international collaboration, this partnership with St. Peters enriches teaching methodologies while fostering mutual understanding.
Mr. Dhlamini will gain firsthand experience in diverse cultural settings, modern pedagogical practices, and first-world educational infrastructure. This exposure aims to cultivate a developmental partnership, facilitate exchanges of teaching methods, introduce education technology, and share best practices to elevate learning outcomes.
As both principal and educator, Simangaliso will return equipped to integrate these insights into her leadership, teaching, and staff development—promoting inclusivity, global awareness, and innovation among learners.
The Michaelhouse Community Partnership takes pride in facilitating this exchange. Our central aim is to drive professional growth and pedagogical innovation across our 16 footprint schools by engaging with global educational systems. The ultimate beneficiaries are Shea O’Connor’s 652 learners, who will be better prepared for an ever-changing world of work. By enhancing adaptability and classroom effectiveness, we ensure Shea O’Connor remains a top-performing under-resourced school in the Midlands.
#EduWarrior #MidlandsMeetsUK #ChangeMakersUnite
