In learned conversation with Ooma Hilary!

This time on ‘in conversation with’ we’ve been lucky enough to find a moment, over a cappuccino, with a remarkable woman working flat-out, together with the Bitou 10 Foundation, to uplift education for all in the Plett area. ‘Mama Hilary’ is on a mission to provide structures to facilitate development in Bitou’s ten government schools. The main focus is on literacy, numeracy, curriculum leadership and school management and to provide teachers with the necessary skills, enthusiasm, passion and pride to pass this on to the scholars.

Her husband, David (who happens to be the uncle of Dave Matthews – of Dave Matthews’ Band fame), is no stranger to education himself. David started Maru-a-pula, one of THE most successful schools in Southern Africa in Gaborone, Botswana. It is an absolute success story thanks largely to partnerships both local and across the continent.

Here’s what Hilary had to say..

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1) What do people call you?
Hilary, Mama Hilary, Mabatho, Mom, Ooma

2) espresso, cappuccino, latte or flat-white and why?
three-quarter cappuccino. Because it’s Magnifique!

3) what’s keeping you busy these days?
Education renewal: transformation

4) What book/magazine is next to your bed at the moment and how is it?
“Vienna” by Eva Menasse – about the disintegration of Jewish families in Vienna before and after World War II. Beautifully written.

5) Tell us briefly about the most interesting news/ideas you’ve heard in the last week?
“That the steady and frequent flapping of the fragile wings of a butterfly over the jungles of the Amazon River Basin can affect weather patterns over Detroit thousands of kilometres away.”

6) What is your “most-played” music at the moment?
Ali Farke Toure; Bach – Goldberg Variations; & Partitas; Gotan Project c/o the two kind Karins!

7) Where are you spending most your time on the web?
Too busy to do much web visiting