I was born and brought up in Tongaat, a small town surrounded by sugar cane fields. I have One brother, who could not pronounce my “Hindi” name which is Chetralekha (which means Creativity or a painters brush) and started calling me Jean. I am born into a family of educationists, from my dad to aunts, uncles and grand-dad.
But I married very young before completing my high school studies. I married a teacher from Pietermaritzburg who taught at Tongaat Secondary school.
We have three children, a son (analytic chemist who is married to a journalist and they have two daughters) a daughter (physiotherapist in Rosebank Johannesburg) and a daughter (who studied marketing and International beauty and now owns a Beauty franchise in Johannesburg).
After my third child I started with my studies part-time and numerous hobby courses. I did lots of dress-making, cake icing and decorating, baking and confectionery, floral art and hairdressing. Whilst studying I taught as a Locum teacher. I then started with the B.Admin degree and Higher education Diploma. My hobby courses assisted me in funding for my university studies.
In 1992 I was employed at the Bank and later in 1993 with the education department as a clerk and then an educator. I also worked in the Tourism Marketing industry whilst my daughter was studying at medical school. At that stage my husband, B.U. was a Rotarian at the Rotary Club of Ballito.
In 2002 I joined Lenarea secondary school and joined my husband as a Rotary Ann. With the Ballito club we were in the President seat twice. In 2010 I joined as a Rotarian.
At this stage I took charge of the interact club. As a Rotary Ann and Interact Teacher, I worked closely with the E.C.R. Toy Story, Winter Warmth and Food parcels. The beneficiaries that I worked with are: The Pregnancy crisis centre, Hospice, (Vulamehlo), Nkobongo,(Noah), The Haven of Rest (houses abandon children and adults), cerebal palsy school (A.M.M.Spes Nova school).
The Interactors engaged in projects around school stretching up to Shakaskraal.
I am also happy to be a recipient of the National Teachers Award Three times, at cluster level, district level and at Province level.
In 2011 the charter for the Interact Club of Lenaria was handed back to the BALLITO CLUB. Hopefully we can re-instate the club. It is with the E.C.R projects that I met Anusha and worked closely with Gerald.
In 2010 I fell ill and could not use my voice at the normal pitch. So the E-Club is a Blessing. My vocal chords are now dysfunctional and posing a challenge. Rotary gives me a new meaning to Life.
 My husband and two daughters. |
 Books handed to Haven of Rest library |
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