Daughter of farm worker ‘moves mountains’ to graduate

She is the daughter of a farm worker who quite literally “had to move mountains” to graduate. For Lucinda Arendse, hard work and perseverance are nothing new. Today, she is passing those values on to her own learners, showing them that circumstances do not have to stand in the way of their dreams.

By Marise Schoonraad, journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad

Lucinda grew up in Genadendal as the daughter of a general farm worker at Spes Bona farm near Caledon. She herself also worked as a general labourer on Wimpie van Niekerk’s apple and pear farm. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she completed her first two years of study at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Wellington campus and ultimately obtained her teaching degree with the help of a bursary from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“If it wasn’t for the bursary, I wouldn’t have been able to study. My parents couldn’t afford university fees. Because of NSFAS, I was able to register, study and work part-time to save for accommodation and transport. It changed my life,” she says.

While studying, Lucinda worked in the orchards as the team’s bookkeeper, recording each day’s harvest. Balancing work with online classes, however, proved challenging.

“During her lunch breaks, Lucinda would climb a hill to get a good signal for her online classes,” says Van Niekerk. “She literally climbed a mountain every day so that she could attend her lectures and submit her assessments – without ever neglecting her work. Her dedication was incredible.”

After completing her studies, Lucinda did not immediately secure a teaching position and returned to farm work while continuing her job search.

“It was good, honest work,” she says. “Some days were difficult, especially in the cold and rain, but I worked with wonderful people and the experience built my character.”

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Dream Comes True

Lucinda’s lifelong dream of becoming a teacher was finally realised on 1 August, when she was officially appointed at Emil Weder High School in Genadendal – the very school where she completed her own high-school education.

She teaches Afrikaans (home language) to Grades 9 and 10, Geography to Grade 8 learners, and Life Orientation to Grade 9s. Returning to her community as a teacher is deeply meaningful to her.

“Being back in Genadendal, close to my family and surrounded by teachers who once taught me, is a privilege,” she says. “The learners know my background, and I hope my story motivates them to rise above their circumstances.”

Lucinda has wanted to become a teacher since the age of 13. She excelled academically throughout her primary and high-school years, often achieving top results in her class and receiving academic awards. Her journey, however, was not without challenges. In her third year of study, she became pregnant and had to complete her final year while caring for her newborn daughter.

“There were many obstacles along the way,” she says. “What kept me going was my determination and my daughter, Lakirah, who is now two years old. I wanted to give her a better life.”

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Role Model For Her Community

Returning as a teacher to a community where few young people have the opportunity to pursue further education carries great responsibility.

“I tell my learners: You know my circumstances – let it motivate you. If I could rise above them, you can too.”

One learner recently told Lucinda that she was her role model.

“It meant the world to me,” she says. “You don’t hear words like that every day.”

Lucinda hopes to inspire her learners not only academically, but also through life lessons.

“I don’t want to become overly emotional, but I want to support them and help where I can. I’m still learning every day.”

Roelf Pienaar, managing director of apple and pear marketing company Tru-Cape, says Lucinda is a powerful example of what can be achieved through community support, opportunity and determination.

“Lucinda’s journey is deeply inspiring,” he says. “Her resilience, courage and dedication to her education are extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of her and of the example she sets for young people in our farming communities.”