MY KINDA TOWN -
EAST LONDON
Tue 6th November 2007
Hilton Williams – Education gives you respect
HILTON Williams is a devoted teacher and headmaster, having taught
for many years. He spent six years as “headmonster” at College
Street School and 14 years at George Randell Primary.
What is the
one thing you know for sure about life?
We only
pass this way once, so be remembered for the right reasons. The best
rewards are intrinsic and this is earned by adding value to others’
lives. Choice, not chance, determines our destiny.
Do you like
reading?
I LOVE
reading and promoting reading, but no day is complete without
reading the Daily Dispatch. I read Wilbur Smith-type books over
holidays to escape.
How would
you describe yourself in three words?
My wife
Anita says I am empathetic,
energetic and positive.
What has
been your highlight this year?
The miracle
of prayer as Anita recovered miraculously after three cardiac
arrests and a stroke. At school we are always blessed by the
community and recently Absa Bank
introduced a Thrass programme (Teaching Handwriting, Reading and
Spelling Skills). Our lovely daughter Doné was married to Simon and
our other beautiful daughter, Nicole, moved to Belfast with Jason.
Would you
speak to or mentor your children about HIV/ Aids?
Absolutely.
I was a voluntary worker for loveLife and children must know that
only
by them feeling good about themselves (through sport, art, culture)
and by looking forward to a bright future (having HOPE) will they
want to protect themselves and make the right choices.
Would you
trade your pet for R20000?
You can
have our new puppy, which wets everywhere – but nothing would
replace my favourite dog, Bugly (the name says it all,
b… ugly).
Any words
for young up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow?
Choose your
role model carefully. Listen to advice from those who have made
mistakes. Base your life on values. Respect yourself and others.
What makes
your life sparkle?
We have
wonderful neighbours, friends and family who make you feel special.
Teaching is so rewarding when you see a child grasp a concept or
blossom in some way. A four beer fire is also special.
Who is your
pillar of strength?
Besides my
faith, Anita has been my rock
for most of my life and my long chats to our girls overseas give me
strength.
What makes
you get out of bed in the morning?
I love my
job. The totally dedicated staff, talented support staff and
wonderful learners who love a person unconditionally.
What is the
one thing people don’t know about you?
Money has
little meaning but making a
difference by working for NGOs (READ, loveLife, sport) is the most
amazing reward.
What sport
do you support? Why?
My first
love is swimming and then rugby. Sport develops character, values
and
discipline.
With whom
would you like to be stuck in a lift?
I like my
name Hilton, so Paris Hilton would be great as she does not seem to
be too fussy about who she shares her space with.
Where do
you see yourself in 2010?
Preparing
for the George Randell Primary centenary and taking up a new
challenge before retiring.
Do you
budget or do you have enough
money to spend?
I made it
clear that I am a teacher – how can I have money to spend? They do
not pay slaves. My time is worth more than money
so I budget my time and energy.
What was
your childhood like?
I remember
climbing trees, riding bikes and the front door of our home was
never closed. We had ducks, chickens and gardens and people trusted
each other and cared for
each other. Crime was seldom experienced and life had value.
What makes
your blood boil?
Corruption
and stealing from the poor and from sportsmen. Teachers give their
time and energy voluntarily to promote sport and raise funds to
allow children to participate. Corrupt sport organisers are elected
to
perform and then claim a percentage of
money raised. Another major area that
really makes me angry are parents who
abdicate their responsibilities of proper
parenting and expect teachers to perform their responsibilities.
If you
could go back in time, which era would you choose and why?
Never look
back, only forwards! I miss the safe and caring SA but that can be
regained.
If you were
the mayor of your town, what would you do differently?
Home
ownership is the foundation of hope and pride, so I would build,
build, build. Schools would receive infrastructural
support which would include local policing, health services – and
libraries in every
community.
Source:
Dispatch Online, East London, Eastern Cape, South
Africa.
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