Dr Bawani Elisa Leungo, currently serving as a high school teacher in Botswana, has carved a distinguished path in the field of early childhood development (ECD) through dedication, perseverance and a deep commitment to enhancing children's language acquisition from an early age. Though initially trained as a high school educator, her journey into ECD began in 2005, driven by circumstance and ultimately shaped by passion.

After completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), she found herself temporarily employed in primary schools, frequently assigned to lower grades (Standards 1–4). Despite lacking initial experience with younger learners, she quickly developed a keen interest in their learning processes, particularly their struggles with language expression and writing skills. This experience planted the seeds for a lifelong dedication to early education.

By 2008, she had secured permanent employment and began strategising her academic advancement in ECD. Her academic credentials include a BA in Humanities, a PGDE, Primary Education Language Specialisation (PELS), and a Master of Education in Curriculum Studies with a focus on ECD, completed cum laude in 2020. The journey culminated in her graduation from Unisa with a PhD in Education. Her thesis is titled "Supporting Oral Language Skills Development in Botswana: A Case of North-East Region Public Pre-Primary Schools".

Her academic journey and path were not without hurdles. During her master’s studies, she encountered academic challenges that nearly caused her to abandon her goals. Then, Prof Ramashego Mphahlele, now her doctoral promoter, stepped in as co-supervisor. Demonstrating an exceptional commitment to mentorship, Mphahlele travelled to Botswana to motivate her student, a turning point that reignited Leungo’s academic aspirations. With encouragement and support, she successfully applied for and received a Unisa Master’s and Doctoral Bursary, allowing her to continue her studies without financial burden.

A mission rooted in language development

Leungo’s research and professional motivation centre on the critical importance of oral language development in early childhood. She advocates for targeted interventions at foundational stages, emphasising that strong speaking skills are essential precursors to reading and writing. "If we can say it, then we can do or write it," she often states, underscoring her belief that language is the gateway to cognitive development and academic success.

Inspired by Vygotsky’s theory of proximal development, she calls on educators to implement intentional strategies to nurture language skills in young learners. While acknowledging the role of parents, Leungo highlights the indispensable contribution of teachers, who are guided by curricula aimed at holistic developmental milestones.

The role of Unisa in her journey

Leungo says that Unisa played a pivotal role in her academic journey. The institution’s open learning framework, robust mentorship programmes and bursary offerings provided a supportive ecosystem for growth. She credits the university’s internationalisation efforts and supervisory models, particularly those employed by Mphahlele, as instrumental in her success.

"One of the standout contributions," she notes, "is the Multi-University Postgraduate Support Network that my supervisor initiated. This, along with other postgraduate support programmes and platforms offered by Unisa, has proved invaluable in equipping me and other students I know globally with the necessary tools and motivation to succeed in our studies.”

Advice for aspiring scholars

Leungo encourages aspiring students to remain committed to their dreams, despite adversity. "Challenges can be transformed into opportunities," she asserts, noting how her career took an unexpected but fulfilling turn after initial job market limitations. She stresses the importance of building effective networks and surrounding oneself with individuals who foster positive learning environments.

Looking to the future, Leungo says she dreams of establishing a learning centre dedicated to action research and holistic child development. Her goal is to support children, parents and teachers alike in fostering environments where learning is sustainable and enriching.

Her story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of education, mentorship and purpose-driven perseverance.

* By Freddy Abilio Mlambo, Acting Marketing and Communication Specialist, College of Education