Today, I am reflecting on my journey with CK, a four-year career that actually began in 2010 when I was in Grade 8 at Luckhoff High. CK had opened their first office the previous year and I spent a lot of time there, attending courses, including one in photography.
My name is Jamie and CK is part of who I am. As a learner, I was privileged to have CK at my high school and to benefit from CK services. CK looked a little different then, my CK badge was an earlier version of our logo and they held very interesting courses which I was fortunate to attend.
Fast forward to today – why am I leaving my role as a Care Facilitator. Thanks to CK’s support, encouragement and commitment to our personal and professional development I have had the opportunity to study part time through UNISA and graduated with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching and next term I start my teaching career with a Grade 1 class. I am the first person in my family to be a teacher and the first person to graduate.
This has not been easy. Working full day and studying at night and weekends meant a lot of personal and financial sacrifices. I am the type of person who sets goals and works towards them, focussed on the long term. Despite the hardship, I always felt supported by my family and my workplace. Now, here I am. Ready for what lies ahead.
Many people have built into my life during my time at CK, the first person who comes to mind is Mieke. She was my first manager and she has walked a long journey with me as a role model and mentor, teaching me workplace professionalism. Amanda interviewed us, trained us in Mental Health First Aid and ensured that we had an equal amount of theory and practical experience to continue to grow in our role. Janie was my first colleague, she is now overseas but her spirit stays with me; Janie encouraged me to express myself and to be warm and loving in very practical ways. And then came Nicole, and with Nicole I have learnt about cooperation and collaboration. It was a change at first shifting from the familiarity of Janie’s style to working alongside a new colleague. We have a small school so Nicole works across two schools and was in the office on alternate days. We sat down and openly talked about the challenges, creating an open space to share different views and to create common ground. Nicole has been one of my biggest supporters and I am so grateful for our relationship.
When asked to share one piece of advice, I said: “Work at your relationships in the workplace. Find a space or make a space where each person: Care Facilitator, Care Practitioner and Area Manager is acknowledged for the unique value they bring to the table. Collaborate and cooperate, make plans and make decisions together. It does not always come naturally, but it makes us better people and a team.”
I am grateful for the other exposure I have benefitted from. A number of times, I have hosted funders and international guests and I was given a platform to talk about our work. I was also selected as ambassador for the 2024 Annual Report; a professional photographer joined me and my CK Learner Committee at the Sustainability Institute and Lynedoch Community School. This was a growth experience for my committee and I treasure those memories.
The common theme across 16 years is continuous learning and improvement. For the learners and for ourselves. Thank you CK.
My new colleagues have already asked if there is a possibility of CK opening an office at my new school – wouldn’t that be an impactful full circle. If you are a dreamer – please set that goal with me and lets see if we can make that dream come true.
