Mr. Chris Reichle
Pasquotank County

“I am honored to be participating in the South Africa Global Learning Experience, sponsored by the Pasquotank Global Learning Team. During this journey, I have had the opportunity to visit organizations and schools that are making a tremendous difference in the lives of children, families, and communities. Three experiences in particular left a lasting impression on me: the Catholic Institute of Education (CIE), New Schools of Hope, and PEN (Participate, Envision, Navigate). Catholic Institute of Education. Our visit to the Catholic Institute of Education provided valuable insight into the important role education plays in transforming communities. We had the privilege of meeting with Janice Seland, Director, and Mduduzi Qwabe, Deputy Director, who shared the organization’s mission and commitment to supporting schools, teachers, and students throughout South Africa. Their dedication to improving educational opportunities reminded me that meaningful change begins with investing in people. Through professional development, community partnerships, and educational support,
CIE is helping create brighter futures for countless students. New School of Hope One of the most memorable experiences of our trip was visiting New School of Hope, led by Director Alida Fourie. Before we even arrived, the students had prepared a special welcome for our group. They created colorful handprint displays featuring our names and offered prayers for our safety during our travels. When we arrived, we were welcomed with songs, dancing, smiles, and enthusiasm. The students invited us to participate in activities, including soccer and face painting. Their excitement and joy were contagious. As we toured the campus, we learned more about the challenges many families in the surrounding community face. We also saw firsthand how New School of Hope provides a safe, supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and dream about their futures. What stood out most was the students’ kindness and gratitude. Despite difficult circumstances, they displayed remarkable resilience, optimism, and hope. Their actions reminded me that success is not determined by where someone starts but by the determination to keep moving forward.

Our visit to PEN, hosted by Zahke Mazibuko, challenged us to think deeply about personal growth, responsibility, and transformation. During our time there, we watched an inspiring story about a mother and her son and daughter whose lives were changed through the program. Following the presentation, PEN students facilitated small-group discussions and asked thoughtful questions that encouraged us to reflect on our own experiences and perspectives. One of the most powerful discussions centered on a simple but profound question: Are you a victim of your circumstances, or are you an agent of change? The students explained how PEN encourages participants to recognize that they are not defined by their past or by the obstacles they face. Instead, they learn to become agents of change by taking ownership of their futures, setting goals, pursuing education, and refusing to allow circumstances to determine their success. As the students shared their stories and perspectives, it became clear that they had already taken important steps toward transforming their lives. Their confidence, maturity, and determination were inspiring. They demonstrated that meaningful change begins when individuals believe they have the power to shape their own future.

Throughout these experiences, I witnessed the incredible impact that education, mentorship, and community support can have on individuals and families. Whether through the work of the Catholic Institute of Education, the welcoming environment at New School of Hope, or the transformational programs offered by PEN, a common theme emerged: hope creates opportunity, and opportunity creates change. As a Career and Technical Education teacher at Pasquotank County High School, I look forward to bringing these lessons back to my students. I have been reminded that education is about more than academics—it is about helping people discover their potential, overcome challenges, and become agents of change in their own lives. I am grateful to the Pasquotank Global Learning Team for sponsoring this experience and providing the opportunity to learn from such remarkable educators, students, and community leaders. The lessons I have learned in South Africa will stay with me long after this journey ends.”

Mr. Brian Rada
Greene County

”Be curious, not judgemental.” — Walt Whitman

“Despite Challenges, Learning Goes On:

We had spent the day visiting three educational sites in the area of Pretoria, South Africa. Despite being a completely different country in another hemisphere with conditions that would shock most Americans, the problems educators and students face are surprisingly similar. Regulations and bureaucracy, poor to non-existent funding, and general poverty seem to show up both in South Africa and the United States. That said, what I witnessed today was an incredible show of resiliency and hope that amazed and inspired me.

At the Catholic Institute of Education we learned how a large portion of education occurs in South Africa. They have similar issues as those in the United States—bureaucracy and poor funding seem to be universal. Both of our countries have experienced difficulties in recovering from the COVID years, and both face the challenge of catching those students up to level. Education in South Africa has the added challenge of coming out of the shadow of apartheid but seems to have come along well in that regard. The preamble to their Constitution was prominently displayed in the building, and it is a beautiful preamble.

At the Zama Zama (New Schools For Hope) location, I was not surprised by what I was seeing. I have traveled in rural Costa Rica and have seen similar situations. My friends in the Philippines have described conditions that match as well. One might describe it as abject poverty with dirt roads and shanty buildings, but these are just people living as they can with what is available. The New Schools for Hope recognized the need at Zama Zama and filled it. They now have a clinic building and a school filled with many children living and learning by a loving group of teachers and leaders. The school is humble, but there is no doubt these children are getting an opportunity to learn and grow.

Finally, at PEN (Participate, Engage, Navigate) in Pretoria, what we saw was very much like a Boys and Girls Club—an afterschool program designed to fill a need for many—not only social/emotional learning, literacy, and numeracy, but also a safe space for children. PEN has another great approach—they provide a threefold approach for helping their communities serving early childhood, youth, and young adults facing homelessness. The vibe was very positive.

I was very much amazed at each location. Each institution was focused on helping those in need not just in an educational sense but in many aspects of life in these communities. I was inspired by the resourcefulness of these educators to the challenges they face in order to help their communities. I would like to thank Greene County Global Teacher Fellowship for this wonderful opportunity.”