OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Lonel Carstens, a Grade R teacher at Van Reede School in Oudtshoorn, has been named a finalist in the International FAST Heroes Awards in the Amazing Teacher category.
Carstens is one of 17 international finalists recognised for their passion, creativity, and commitment to making a meaningful impact on learners' lives through the FAST Heroes programme.
The programme equips young learners with the knowledge to recognise the warning signs of a stroke and empowers them to act quickly, potentially helping to save the lives of grandparents and other loved ones. The final winners will be announced next week during the FAST Heroes Summit in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Ronald Presher, deputy principal of Van Reede School, congratulated Carstens on her achievement.
"We are incredibly proud of Mrs Carstens for being named a finalist in the International FAST Heroes Awards," he said.
"This recognition not only reflects her passion for teaching, but also her commitment to empowering learners with life-saving knowledge that can help identify the early signs of a stroke and potentially make a difference in the lives of their family members and the wider community. To see her efforts acknowledged on an international stage is a tremendous honour for both her and our school community. We congratulate her on this outstanding achievement and wish her every success in the final round."
Speaking to Oudtshoorn Courant, Carstens said she was deeply honoured to be selected as a finalist.
"The FAST Heroes programme is very close to my heart because it teaches learners how to recognise the signs of a stroke and empowers them to potentially save the lives of their grandparents or other loved ones," she said.
"This programme goes beyond the classroom. Seeing our learners embrace this responsibility with such enthusiasm has been inspiring." This recognition belongs not only to me, but also to my learners, their families, Mediclinic Klein Karoo, ER24 and the Van Reede School community, who have supported the programme.
"I am proud to represent South Africa and grateful for the opportunity to be part of an initiative that has the potential to save lives."
Carstens' nomination not only highlights her exceptional work as an educator but also reflects the supportive environment fostered at Van Reede School and the broader Oudtshoorn community.
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