Au Pair Learns To Read And Write At Age 48

Forty-eight year old au pair, Hanna Galant of Stellenbosch, is a firm believer that you’re never to old to learn. Hanna, who was born in Villiersdorp in 1957, had to leave school early to work in the vineyards in order to help support her family. As a result, Hanna, who is one of four children, only obtained her Grade 2 diploma from Villiersdorp primary school.

But this year Hanna picked up where she left off when she went back to school. Her employers, Delarey and Sandie Brugman of Alluvia Wine Estate, noted Hanna’s thirst for knowledge and asked whether they could pay for her literacy lessons. Galant jumped at the opportunity and was enrolled at the Matie Community College in Stellenbosch for a one year course.

Hanna has been at Alluvia since 2004 and starts work every morning between 07:00 - 08:00. Now Hanna finds herself facing a completely new challenge every Monday afternoon when Sandie drives her to class for a 2-hour session. Apart from taking care of the two-and-a-half year old Brugman twins, Ilse and Karla, Hanna now has to grapple with completing her home work for the following week’s lesson. “I could read and write a little before being enrolled in the course, but now I can improve my skills even further. I am truly thankful for this amazing opportunity,” says Galant.

According to Sandie, Hanna is an absolute wizard with the twins and she and Delarey are happy that they can do something to repay her. “It is so exciting to be able to help someone to achieve a dream. Depending on Hanna’s progress this year, we are more than willing to enrol her again in 2006. That is if she wishes to continue with her studies,” says Sandie.

In the mean time Hanna continues with her lessons on Mondays and looks forward to the day when she can assist little Ilse and Karla with their reading and writing lessons.

Au Pair Learns To Read And Write At Age 48

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