Born and educated in Cape Town, Marais spent 18 years in Johannesburg before returning to the Mother City four years ago. Whilst in Johannesburg, she taught at special needs schools where she provided learning support and promoted inclusive practices, continued her studies in the field of educational psychology and became a school counsellor.
Marais' passion and expertise in early childhood education have fuelled her vision to improve educational opportunities for children in South Africa, particularly within disadvantaged communities. "Quality education is fundamental to empowering a nation and will help to reduce poverty. This empowerment will ultimately allow children to retain their freedom to become successful citizens in the transformation of South Africa by making use of their developed talents and abilities. The educational, social and economic upliftment of children from disadvantaged communities has to become more of a priority," says Marais.
Touching on UNICEF's Convention on the Rights of the Child, Marais says that a shift in South Africa's educational system could see our younger generations being taught to live peacefully, protect the environment and learn respect for others.
Marais will be working closely with the families and children coming in to Bright Start's support programme. She will be responsible for programme planning and co-ordination, communicating and engaging with learners and their parents, managing relationships with partner schools and service providers, and overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of the Education Support Programme.
"We're delighted to have Debbie on our team," says Bright Start executive director Carolynne Stelling. "With her help, Bright Start will continue to assist children from disadvantaged communities to receive a quality education and ensure that every child's social, emotional, cultural and physical needs are met. She brings invaluable skills and experience, having worked in early childhood and remedial education for many years, as a specialist educator and mentor.
"As a counsellor, she can offer our young learners and their parents much needed guidance within our programme and in social development. Debbie has a warm and engaging personality and we have no doubt that our beneficiaries and stakeholders will respond extremely well to her."
For more information on Bright Start, call them on +27 (0)217900458. Alternatively email az.gro.tratsthgirb@ofni or go to www.brightstart.org.za.
