A 52-year-old granny has just graduated with a Bachelors in Education degree, and has already signed up for her next course.
Faldelah Adams from Heideveld graduated last Wednesday from the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and also runs a madrassa from her home, where she pays laaities to attend.
The married mother of four, who has five grandchildren, also runs two side hustles from her home to earn an income.
“My family was very encouraging and supportive when I told them of my study aspirations,” she says.
“They know I am a lifelong learner so they were not that surprised by my decision.”
Prior to her B.Ed studies, she got her Higher Islamic Studies qualification to teach the Qur’an and sharia studies at Islaahul Banaat Institute in Kenwyn.
“I run a madrassa for about 40 kids between the ages of four and 16. I pay them R1 per class to attend, which makes R30 or R31 per month.
“I am passionate about teaching and helping children.
“I instill in these children the importance of using money wisely and taking education seriously,” says the ouma.
She firmly believes knowledge is power and also runs adult classes on weekends.
After her Islamic studies she went on hajj, which she describes as a life-changing experience.
She also bakes a variety of treats, which she sells from a stalltjie in front of her house.
“Before I ventured into the teaching profession a few years back, I baked and had a full-time hair salon.
“Due to the workload of my studies, I started taking only a small amount of appointments and orders per week.
“Some weekends I soema have stalltjie in front of my house and gather some kids from the streets to lend a helping hand. I compensate them for their time and encourage them to use the money wisely.”
Faldelah says her teachings cultivate money-wise kids, and she always encourages them to save their money or spend it on charity.
She is excited about her future as she’s been accepted to study psychology at UWC next year.
"God willing, maybe one day I can become an educational psychologist,” says the determined granny.
clyde.adams@inl.co.za