Starlight in the Ring (31 page)

“When you’re ready you could come through for your interview, Mrs Davies.”

“Yes, thank you.”

I get up and proceed to the office. Mr Roberts rises to greet me with a handshake, beckoning me to my seat opposite him. Opening a folder, he says, “Right, Mrs Davies. My secretary has briefed me about your intention. Could you fill me in on the details?”

I narrate my story positively, showing him the supporting documents in my folders, and end by asking if his Foundation could assist me to complete the process of getting English accreditation as a teacher.

“This is possible, Mrs Davies. I’d like to see you teach in the classroom for one lesson. You have enough evidence to prove your competence. You need to register with us first, and we’ll do the rest.”

Filled with joy, I smile, nodding. Mr Roberts continues:

“We’ve got an arrangement with a few schools in the area, to observe the foreign teachers for this kind of assessment. When would you like to start with us?”

“As soon as possible, Mr Roberts. This process is long overdue.”

“That’s all right,” he says, and then calls his secretary.

“Would you register Mrs Davies, and contact one of our schools, to arrange a slot for lesson observation, please? Keep all her folders together, if you would.”

Mr Roberts turns around to speak to me. “We’ve finished now. We’ll confirm your placement by telephone, Mrs Davies. Thank you for coming. Should you wish to speak to us between now and then, just give us a ring?”

I grab my bag, feeling even more excited, as I leave the office. Walking down the road, back to the station, I hum softly my favourite song, ‘All I have needed, Thy hand has provided – great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me.’

As I walk down stairs, the telephone rings. Picking it up, I say, “Mrs Davies speaking, may I help you?”

“Hi, I’m Mara, I’m glad to find you, did I call at the right time?” she asks.

“Yes, thanks,” I say a bit concerned with what I was going to hear.

“Is your family all right?”

“Yes, thank you.” I then remain quiet, hoping she will tell me her reason for calling

She is so chatty as if we have known each other for ages. She then confirms my placement for Tuesday at Wellington Primary School. She asks me to prepare a lesson for a Year One class. I choose Maths.

On Tuesday, I arrive in time for my observation. After signing the Visitors’ Book, the secretary takes me to my classroom for the day. The school starts with Assembly and Collective Worship. The Maths lesson is first. Mr Roberts comes into the class, together with the Head Teacher. They both sit down at the back and observe me teach. At ten o’clock, the children have playtime. Mr Roberts gives me the observation report, before leaving the school. The overall grade is A.

I return home feeling tired, but overwhelmed with joy. I share my good news with Greg, as usual saying, “Mate - it went well!”

“And then?” Greg says, prompting me to continue.

Taking a deep breath, I say, “Greg, it did work well in the end.”

“What went well Betty?”

“My final assessment and everything that goes with it.”

“Pardon me.”

“Yes, I am a qualified teacher.”

“Good for you.”

“And for all of us.”

“So, what next?”

“I forgive them.”

“Forgive - who?”

“The authors of the Apartheid Laws.”

“Mmh, Betty, what happened to make you change your mind?”

“Yes, Greg, I now understand: they were doing their jobs, and they had to do it professionally, like everybody else, to earn their income.”

I receive my Certificate of Accreditation through the post. It is in a brown A4 envelope, supported by a hard card, and labelled,
Do not fold.
I show Greg, before putting it away in my folder, for safekeeping. This folder also contains other important documents about me.

In The Folder:

Reference

I have the privilege of teaching with Betty Baker. She has a thorough and dedicated approach to the paperwork side of the job. She instils in the most able pupils a love of literature that has stayed with them. She
can see the potential in her pupils, and strives to bring out the best in them. Her infectious faith and enthusiasm radiate. Betty cares for the pupils in her charge, many of whom have deeply troubled lives and whose behaviour is very challenging at times. Betty believes passionately in the importance of our young people’s achievement. She also brings the balance of her sports training to the job. I’m happy to recommend her.

Joseph Cane

Head teacher

THE PRIZE

THIRD PRIZE - Gladys Mountain SECOND PRIZE - Charlotte Brays and FIRST PRIZE is - Betty Baker!

My annotation:

We all walk to the front to receive the book prizes, nicely wrapped in brightly-coloured wrapping paper. I look at my nametag, in disbelief: ‘Betty Baker’. And then walk back to my row. This recognition I will always remember.

THE PRIZE

Betty Baker!

EXCELLENT STAFFROOM CLEANER

For cleaning the Staffroom well, and reaching out to the corners.

Commentary:

Betty deserves this prize - a box of chocolates. She never murmurs when collecting used tissues left on the teachers’ tables. She polishes the tables and chair-backs with ‘Furnigloss’, leaving them shining.

The Cards

From a parent and her daughter, expressing their appreciation.

This card reads:

To: Miss Betty Baker

Thank you for looking after me for the whole year. Lots of love, Miriam & thanks from Mrs McAnthony

A card with a picture of a teddy bear carrying a basket full of red roses reads:

To: Miss Betty Baker

Thank you, Teacher!

Best wishes!

Lots of love,

Hovesh

The Notes:

Dear Mummy,

I have no words to describe the wonderful person you really are. You are very caring, kind and warm. Your love and tender heart are something I’ll always remember about you. You are my greatest gift from God. You are the best mum among all the millions of mothers in this world.

Your loving daughter,

Sophie

Dear Betty,

I’m glad to be the man in your life. You keep my life at peace, my woman.

Your husband for now and for ever,

Greg

x

The End

THE APARTHEID ERA IN RELATION TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN TIMELINE 1948-2013

1913: Betty’s dad was born.

1914: National Party founded.

Betty’s mum was born.

1919: South Africa administered South West Africa.

1948: National Party won elections and adopted Apartheid Laws. Mark Douglas was born.

1948 -1998: the 50 years of the regime that impacted on the life of Betty Baker.

1949: Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act 55 passed.

1950: Betty was born.

Group Areas Act segregating the natives from Europeans.

Population Registration by Race Act 1950.

Immorality Act 21

African National Congress (ANC), led by Nelson Mandela, organised opposing campaigns.

1951: Bantu Authorities Act 68

1952: Natives Pass Laws Act 67

1953: Bantu Education Act 47

Reservation of Separate Amenities Act 49

1959: University Education Act 45

Promotion of Bantu Self-Government Act 46

1960: Sharpeville uprisings and massacre. ANC banned.

International pressure against government starts. South Africa excluded from Olympics Games.

1961: South Africa leaves the Commonwealth.

1966: Prime Minister and Apartheid architect Dr Hendrik Verwoerd assassinated.

1970: Bantu Homeland Citizens Act

Betty’s South African citizenship renounced automatically.

1976: Students protest against Afrikaans language being used as the medium of instruction. Soweto uprising.

1989: FW de Klerk becomes president.

Public facilities open to all races. ANC unbanned.

Nelson Mandela freed from prison after 27 years.

1991: President de Klerk repeals remaining apartheid laws.

International sanction against South Africa lifted.

1994: Non-racial elections.

ANC wins the elections. Nelson Mandela becomes president.

South Africa rejoins the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

1996: Process to reconcile the former political enemies start.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission start hearings on human rights crimes committed during the Apartheid era.

1998: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report presented to the government.

Apartheid declared a crime against humanity.

2013: Dec. 5, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela died peacefully at the age of 95, having led his beloved country from European rule under Apartheid to the Rainbow Nation that it is today.

H. N. Quinnen is a successful British Politician, who grew up in South Africa. She was a school-teacher when she realised that despite her achievements, she wanted to affect change in people’s lives on a bigger scale. Through public speaking, she empowers and motivates people, focusing strongly on individual achievement. This is her debut novel. She lives in England with her family.

Historical fiction that lives.

We publish fiction that captures the contrasts, the achievements, the optimism and the radicalism of ordinary and extraordinary times across the world.

We’re open to all time periods and we strive to go beyond the narrow, foggy slums of Victorian London. Where are the tales of the people of fifteenth century Australasia? The stories of eighth century India? The voices from Africa, Arabia, cities and forests, deserts and towns? Our books thrill, excite, delight and inspire.

The genres will be broad but clear. Whether we’re publishing romance, thrillers, crime, or something else entirely, the unifying themes are timescale and enthusiasm. These books will be a celebration of the chaotic power of the human spirit in difficult times. The reader, when they finish, will snap the book closed with a satisfied smile.