With 25 years’ experience in nurturing young minds, Joseina Ramgareeb will soon make an impact on the students at Centennial Schools when she joins as the new Deputy Principal in January 2024.
Ramgareeb brings with her a background in education which champions excellence and passion. She holds a degree in BPAED Commerce, specialising in Business Studies, Accounting, and Economics. Her studies also included Human Resource Management and Marketing, which have enabled her to assist students in establishing successful businesses while still in school. She is Regional Moderator of Business Studies for the IEB and has been instrumental in training educators in the compliance aspects of matric portfolios.
Shaun Fuchs, founder and CEO of Centennial Schools, says that throughout her career, Ramgareeb has demonstrated a commitment to empowering students and preparing them for the ever-evolving global economy.
“She firmly believes that education is the most valuable asset for South African youth, enabling them to become strategic thinkers in both local and global contexts. This guiding principle has been evident in her classroom, where she consistently fosters a passion for learning and encourages her students to think strategically and embrace innovation,” he says.
Ramgareeb started her teaching career in KwaZulu-Natal in 1997 and has garnered invaluable experience at various levels within schools. She has held positions such as commerce educator, grade head, Head of Department, and Deputy Principal, each contributing to her diverse skill set and leadership capabilities.
For Ramgareeb the Centennial Schools experience, which has a focus on reimagining schooling for the real world, is an exciting prospect.
“I have always been motivated by the desire to leave a legacy in education and I am certain that Centennial Schools will allow me to do so. I love new schools that future proof their curriculum because they provide the opportunity to try new ways of educating and reaching modern students, who are digital natives.
“At the heart of it all, my decision was sealed by the fact that the ethos at Centennial Schools resonates with my approach to my educational philosophy – a happy student body that embraces diversity and allows every student to find their place,” she says.
A driving force behind her commitment to education is female representation. “When we consider the position in our country, or the world at large, women have been under-represented in senior roles within school management teams. This is a shame because women bring unique talents to leadership roles, which greatly enhance any organisation.
“In 2023 there are parts of the world where educating a girl child is not deemed important. It is estimated that an astounding 130 million girls are missing out on education worldwide. With that in mind, it feels even more important that women in leadership roles within education assumes an even greater significance,” she says.
As the Deputy Head of Centennial Schools, Ramgareeb will occupy a dynamic, multi-faceted role. One of her first priorities will be to prepare the school’s first group of matric students for 2025.
“I envisage a future in education at Centennial Schools where we strive to better integrate technology and innovation with academics. I aim to drive academic excellence, to enable Centennial Schools to rank learners among the top 1% in the country and allow them to not only gain access to top tertiary institutions but to allow them to foster the skills of entrepreneurship and future forward thinking,” she says.
