Our A+ Associates are trainees who have participated in a series of A+ workshops and have embraced the A+ approach to early childhood education. These include especially the Community Facilitators who keep the A+ flag flying in their communities. A+ keeps in touch with its associates and likes to think of them as members of a growing family who support each other in providing quality education.
Natasha Visagie
Natashia Visagie, ECE teacher and A+ Community Facilitator in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic ECE Practitioner with 14 years of experience in nurturing young children. She holds an NQF Level 5 Certificate in ECE. “Teaching is a calling; once you realise this, you become sensitive and careful about how you teach your learners.” Natashia’s teaching philosophy centres around play-based learning because children learn best when they are actively engaged and having fun. She likes spending time outdoors, at the beach or taking hikes and exploring new creative activities for teaching. She loves music and dancing.
Elsie Vermaak
Elsie Vermaak is a dedicated and enthusiastic ECE teacher with 24 years of experience, as well as an A+ Community Facilitator in Kouga, Eastern Cape. She holds a Diploma in ECE. She is passionate about creating a stimulating and supportive learning environment. She is child centred and identifies children’s individual talents. She aims to foster a love of learning in each child and loves to see them progress and do well after preschool. In her free time, Elsie enjoys reading and going to the beach with family. She collects items from nature to put on her classroom nature table.
Petronella Ruiters
Petronella Ruiters, Founder and Principal of Angels Daycare Centre, and A+ Community Facilitator in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. Petronella is a passionate and dedicated ECE teacher with 16 years of experience. She specializes in play-based learning, inclusive education and early literacy. She is committed to fostering a love of learning in every child. She loves to engage with other ECE centres. In her free time she enjoys time outdoors, reading and exploring new creative activities to incorporate into her teaching.
Nomonde Siqwengana
Nomonde Siqwengana is a dedicated and enthusiastic ECE teacher with six years of experience, and five years of training with as an A+ Community Facilitator. She holds an NQF Level 5 in ECE. She has been mentoring ECD centres in Kouga/Humansdorp for four years. Her passion is play-based learning, believing that children learn best when actively engaged, having fun and building confidence. She is committed to fostering love of learning in every child, thereby developing a strong foundation for their future. In her free time she likes to socialize and learn more about society.
Felicity Toll
Felicity Toll is a dedicated ECE teacher with 23 years of experience, and an A+ Community Facilitator in Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. She holds a National Diploma in Early Childhood Education (Level 5), and specializes in play-based learning. She believes that every child is unique and deserving of a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. Her goal is to inspire a love for learning, promote social responsibility, and empower young children to reach their full potential. When not teaching, you can find her spending time with family, reading or discovering new creative activities to bring into the classroom.
Ntombomzi Ndamse
Ntombomzi Ndamse is an ECE teacher and Principal at Masikhule Edu-care centre, as well as an A+ Community Facilitator (CF), in Kwanomzamo, Humansdorp, Eastern Cape. She has a Diploma in Early Childhood Development. With over 8 years of experience in ECE, she has specialized in creating a nurturing environment that fosters cognitive, social, and emotional development. Her approach is centred around play-based learning and holistic development, ensuring that each child feels safe, supported, and encouraged. This has built a strong relationship with children and their families. As a CF she supports local ECE centres, sharing knowledge during on-site visits and teaching demonstrations. She is passionate about music, singing and sharing with family. Most important to her are empathy, patience, love, and care.
Marlyn Dyantyi
Marlyn Dyantyi has served as an A+ Community Facilitator in Kouga for five years. She is a mother of four daughters. She has been a teacher for almost 15 years and has taught at Rainbow School for
the past nine years. She is also a Principal of an ECD centre, namely Chioma SAFEHAVEN Creche and Aftercare Centre. She started the SAFEHAVEN soup kitchen in 2024. She loves to see a smile on a child’s face. Her aim is to make a difference in children’s lives. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her own children, going to the beach and having movie nights.
Kauthar Ebrahim
Kauthar Ebrahim is an early education specialist who owns her own school. Kauthar has spent many years nurturing good practise in early childhood practitioners and students. Kauthar is a part-time facilitator at Inclusive Education.
Karen Stewart
Miriam Schiff
Miriam Schiff has worked in the ECD field for nearly 50 years and retired after being principal of King David Pre-primary School. Miriam remains involved in early childhood music through the Orff Schulwerk Society.
Richard Kilpert
Richard Kilpert is an arts educator who has worked on community projects, lectured in printmaking, run the Imagination Lab and worked with the World Design Capital’s education programme. He is currently at the MOCCA Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art.
Shanaaz Abrahams
Shanaaz Abrahams graduated from Sallie Davies College of Education and has been in the Pre –Primary Education field for almost thirty years. She is currently an educator at Cedar House Prep School. Shanaaz believes that all children learn through play.
Shumi Chimombe
Shumi takes a keen interest in creative writing and expression. Shumi is also a Biodanza didactic teacher who uses music and movement to help people to joyfully dance with life.
Sue Kaplan
Sue Kaplan is a practising artist with a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the Witswatersrand University. Sue is currently doing a curating degree at MIchaelis, the University of Cape Town, and teaches art to adults and art as therapy in marginalized communities.
Veronica Nicholas
Veronica Nicholas is an early education specialist who graduated from Barkly House. Veronica is the principal of iThemba School in Capricorn where each day calls on her problem-solving and innovation skills
Vuyiswa Rapoyiya
Vuyiswa is an Early Childhood Education specialist who studied for her ECD LEVEL 5 at False Bay College. Vuyiswa is a motivational speaker who believes in building people up. Vuyiswa is an inspiration to learners from Philippi schools who are struggling and are about to give up on their education.
