Romilla Paulath Singh: a life dedicated to education and empowerment

AS A TEACHER, Romilla Paulath Singh dedicated more than three decades to helping children with special educational needs, and now she is highlighting the impact of societal-ills through her poetry.

- NADIA KHAN

Singh, 81, of Scottburgh, is among 46 people who have been honoured in the Unsung Heroes Publication Board's newly-launched volume three of its book series, The Unsung Heroes.

The book is aimed at honouring individuals who have transformed lives without seeking recognition or reward.

Singh, who was born on August 6, 1943, spoke to the POST about her journey, which began while growing up in a close-knit "small village" in Umzinto.

Childhood

She said she lived in a wood-and-iron home with her father, Paulath, a petrol station manager; her mother, Rukmin; a housewife; and her three siblings.

"We lived a comfortable life and never lacked anything even though my father was the sole breadwinner. I have some of the fondest childhood memories. We lived in a close-knit community. Everyone knew one another, and all the children played together. We also attended every function at one another's homes."

Education

At age 5, Singh started "baby class" (Grade R) at the then Umzinto High School.

"The school, which was state-aided, started from primary school and went up to matric. Back then, it was not common for girls to study up to matric. During my time, most girls finished school in Standard 8 (Grade 10). However, my father insisted that my siblings and I completed matric. He instilled the importance of education in us. At the time, I was the only girl in my matric class of 13 pupils."

She matriculated in 1960.

Further studies

Singh pursued a two-year teaching diploma in primary school education at the Springfield Training College, and she graduated in 1962.

"During the apartheid era, we didn't have many career options. Girls either became nurses or teachers. I could not see people in pain, so I opted to study teaching. I also loved history, which I later majored in during my further studies. However, I have no regret choosing teaching because I loved my job."