Elsa Bosman received a doctorate degree in education at the age of 77. At the time, she held a position at the Cedar International Academy NPC at the KwaSizabantu Mission. Even though she recently retired, she still uses her expertise and knowledge to help where needed, especially at the Doctors for Life International (DFL) outreaches. This cause is close to her heart. She recently went on another Aid to Africa outreach and has many uplifting stories to share.
Elsa has been married for over 52 years to the same man, Danie, but her husband sadly passed away during the pandemic. She is a mother of 4 children and grandmother of 14 grandchildren. Over the years, she has been a ‘mother’ to many learners since she started her teaching career at 25.
Elsa got married after starting her career as a teacher, took a break while welcoming her children into the world, and later continued teaching. Her career as an educator lasted over 25 years, and now she is taking it a step further with her Ph.D.
“In essence, my research was about relationship-centered strategies for improving discipline in rural secondary schools”, she said. Dr Bosman told us it is called the PALAR approach (Participatory Action Learning and Action Research).
“In short, it implies doing research within the community where the problem is experienced. The PALAR process, through collaborative transformation, helps people take responsibility for their lives and influence others to do the same by making their voices heard and recognising indigenous skills and knowledge. It aims to improve conditions and foster critical and collaborative reflection on personal and community experiences.
“Educators such as Wood and Zuber-Skerritt (2013) argue that emancipatory, democratic, and participatory values support PALAR. This, in turn, can lead to openness and respect for different beliefs and the development of shared wisdom to guide the participants in transformation and durable change while breaking down barriers established by power relationships. The researcher and the participants contribute equally to the research relationship, based on respect and trust to bring about change.’
Elsa said, “We are never too old to learn and to study. It is my hope that my studies will be an inspiration to young people to do their best at all times, seek God’s will, and do as He commands them. To this effect, I can only testify how God carried me during the past three years while I was busy with my studies. I was often at a dead end, but after prayer and crying to the Lord for help, dedication and hard work paid off.”
Read the full story in our sister publication, Devoted, Issue 33 online: www.devotedmag.co.za
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