The Teacher Enrichment Programme (TEP), an initiative of the SU School of Accountancy, has empowered thousands of teachers across the Western Cape since its inception in 2018. This annual programme, in collaboration with the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED), demonstrates a commitment to transforming education and society by strengthening the skills and knowledge of educators.
The TEP is a focused, online training course designed for Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) teachers. Tailored to the curriculum outcomes of the WCED, it includes a series of lectures and workshops that are offered at no cost to the Department. The programme specifically aims to enhance teachers’ abilities to explain complex concepts to their learners, thus equipping the next generation with the financial literacy skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving economy.
Educational outreach with lasting impact
According to Mrs Waldette Engelbrecht, Lecturer at the School of Accountancy and TEP Coordinator, “Basic financial literacy principles and accounting concepts often contain unfamiliar terms that can initially seem daunting. Through TEP, we share the skills to break down these concepts in a logical, step-by-step manner, ensuring teachers can teach them effectively to students from diverse backgrounds.”
Feedback from participants consistently highlights the clarity and accessibility of the training. One teacher mentioned that, “The presenter knew what she was talking about and made the content easy to understand, even when explaining complex concepts like owners' equity and the accounting equation.” This ability to break down challenging topics, supported by real-time examples, greatly enhanced teachers’ understanding. The interactive nature of the training also played a pivotal role. Teachers appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with presenters. “The examples and discussions helped create a common understanding of core concepts,” said one participant. “The presenters used practical examples that were easy to follow and made the content feel relevant.”
Each year, the focus of TEP shifts to different grades, targeting challenging topics within the curriculum. Teachers are trained in methods to present concepts such as budgeting, income and expenses in ways that resonate with students, regardless of their background or environment. The programme includes weekly sessions presented in both English and Afrikaans, offering access to a range of educators across the region. During the most recent session, 16 lecturers from the School of Accountancy delivered these workshops, each contributing their expertise to the development of the educators.
Mrs Engelbrecht added, “I see it as part of our social responsibility – an opportunity to give back to the community through education. When teachers are empowered, they can pass on that knowledge to their students, ultimately helping those students excel in their academic journey and beyond. This creates a ripple effect: better-equipped students have more opportunities to complete their tertiary education and enter the workforce, thus contributing positively to the economy and society.”
Linking education to societal transformation
By upskilling teachers, the TEP is directly aligned with the centenary theme of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, namely “transforming the economy and society.” When educators are empowered with advanced teaching skills and a deeper understanding of financial literacy, they are not just improving their own practice; they are shaping the future workforce. This, in turn, creates a more financially literate society, fostering better decision-making, economic participation, and social responsibility. As these learners, and later students, graduate and enter the workforce, they bring with them the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the economy, creating a sustainable cycle of growth and empowerment.
A recurring highlight of the programme is its online format, which allows for flexibility and convenience, particularly beneficial for teachers balancing busy schedules. “I appreciate that the training is online – it made it much easier to fit into my routine,” said one educator. Moreover, the availability of recordings ensures that teachers can revisit the content, further strengthening their learning and application of the material.
The TEP stands as a key example of how education can be a vehicle for societal transformation. By enriching teachers, the programme ensures that learners receive the education they deserve, creating lasting change both in the classroom and beyond.
