Help Complete My Studies

Hi,

I am currently a part-time student doing an course in education to become a primary school teacher.

I have a Undergraduate Degree in Psychology, however, it is not enough to find employment. After many struggles and trial and error, I found my passion in teaching. South Africa suffers from plenty socioeconomic issues and many school going kids are exposed and subjected to these issues. I have always wanted to work with and help kids; whether it was through therapy, teaching them an helping to deal with their struggles or through teaching them within our education system.

I have tried so hard over the last few years to pull myself towards my goals, but there was always something trying to hold me back. I have a husband and a beautiful 4 year old son who have supported me through all of my 'inner struggles' with depression and not being able to find work and not being able to complete my studies or simply contribute to my family.

I decided to apply at a college to get a Post Graduate Certificate in Education in January 2016, where I would hold a qualification that allowed me to become a teacher. My husband and I put ourselves into much debt ($3600 = R50000) just to put me through my first year; we knew it would be worth it in the end. By June 2016, I was at the end of my first semester and I finally found a job in teaching at a full service school. A full service school refers to a school that specializes in inclusive education, meaning that it consists of children who have special needs such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)/ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), making provisions for them within a mainstream school and providing them with the support structure needed to cope within a mainstream education system; However, the school ran out of funds and I will be out of work as of 1 January 2017.

Furthermore, through my studies I am meant to conduct some research based on South African education. I have completed and submitted my research proposal for the research project that is meant to be conducted next year. The research project is based on "Introducing different language animations into the intermediate phase classroom." The aim of the research project is to see whether incorporating animated TV shows with English or other language of teaching and learning subtitles will assist in the development of learners' reading ability. Children of today are simply not interested in reading books, therefore by incorporating their interests as a method to develop their reading skills, may be an interesting way to obtain learner interest and participation. However, if I am not able to register and pay for my studies, I will not be able to conduct this research project.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of work but I am forever grateful for the experience I received whilst teaching at the school. Work is very hard to come by and haven't been able to find work so far. Furthermore, due to the loss of my job, I now will not be able to maintain paying the debt of my studies nor will I be able to continue my studies and graduate in November next year which would cost more than the fees for 2016. I am afraid my dream will not become a reality and that all the struggles and hardships that I have been through would be in vain.

Please help me fulfill my dream to become a teacher and provide for my family.

Many Thanks

Nicole