Unisan conquers COVID-19, obtains degree with 27 distinctions

Testing positive for COVID-19 did not prevent Unisa alumna and passionate educator, Suhayfa Sheik, from obtaining her degree with flying colours. Sheik, a COVID-19 survivor, recently obtained her Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Development with 27 distinctions. “I dreamed, visualised and came out prosperous,” she says. 

Suhayfa Sheik

Sheik credits her family for being the pillar of strength during her academic journey and while healing from the virus. “I owe my family so much. I will never forget the joy and excitement on their faces during my graduation,” she remarks.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Sheik was raised by a single mother, her uncles and grandparents. She comes from a financially challenged background and had to find employment in order to fund her studies and take care of her family. “Therefore,” she explains, “my background made it difficult for me to study full-time, but Unisa’s unique Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) model worked best for me.”

Overcoming COVID-19

COVID-19 is an ongoing threat, with almost seven million lives lost to the virus, globally. South Africa accounts for more than 100 000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The pandemic disrupted socio-economic and socio-political livelihoods. Most families experienced irrevocable cost damages.

Sheik remained resilient throughout her academic journey. She notes: “I remember completing assignments and doing practical work while ill, not knowing whether I would survive or succumb to the virus.”

Bringing out the best in learners

Sheik asserts that her love for working with children played a huge role in her career choice. She firmly believes that every child has a special gift, and as an educator, it is her duty to bring out the best in learners.

“The knowledge gained enables me to shape young minds and foster a passion of learning in them. As a teacher, I can prepare learners to learn throughout their lives,” says Sheik.  For her, the qualification empowered her to motivate learners to overcome challenges, creating a safe and nurturing environment for them.

Unisa is the university of choice

Sheik expresses that she is delighted to be part of Unisa’s #CircleOfExcellence. She says that Unisa inspires her to look forward to a brighter future for herself and the young minds she influences. Lauding the university’s alumni database, Sheik says: “It enables graduates keep a long-lasting connection with the university.”  

Further, Sheik appreciates Unisa’s Student Advisor, Ellen Visser, of the Pietermaritzburg campus, for the academic guidance and support. She says that Visser is responsive both on campus and through electronic correspondence.

#150 years and ongoing

Towards Unisa’s 150^th anniversary, Sheik states that it is a momentous occasion. “Happy 150 years of teaching and learning excellence,” she remarks.

Advising students, Sheik says: “Have a mental image of the final goal and let nothing divert your attention from it.” She concludes: “I understand that balancing full-time work while attempting to make ends meet is challenging, but those circumstances are temporary, and each module advances us toward the ultimate objective.” 

#Unisa150

*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement