At Rietenbosch Primary School, one teacher’s commitment to her students goes beyond the classroom. Miss Glynn Crowley, a 35-year-old passionate educator, has been dedicated to transforming her pupils’ lives by helping them see the world—and their schoolwork—through clearer eyes.
Since joining the school in 2017, Crowley quickly noticed a concerning issue: many of her students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, were struggling with poor eyesight. She saw firsthand how this affected their ability to learn and participate in class.
“I noticed right away that many learners had difficulty seeing the board or focusing on their work, and it was impacting their schoolwork,” Crowley explained. “It was heartbreaking to see children struggle with something that could be easily fixed.”
Determined to make a difference, Crowley took matters into her own hands. She began advocating for her students, ensuring they had access to the help they needed. Some students from other classes even approached her, asking if she could assist them in getting glasses. It became clear to Crowley that this was an issue that needed urgent attention.
Fortunately, Crowley was not alone in her mission. SpecSavers, the renowned optical brand, runs a nationwide charity program called Right to Sight, which provides free eye tests and glasses to underprivileged children under 12. Crowley became an enthusiastic champion of this initiative, organizing appointments and ensuring her pupils received the care they desperately needed.
“I can relate to these kids because I struggled with my own eyesight when I was at school,” Crowley shared. “I know how hard it can be, and how important it is to get help. When they received their new glasses, it was such a rewarding feeling to see them walk into class proudly saying, ‘Teacher, check out my new glasses!’”
The results were profound. Not only did the pupils beam with confidence, but their schoolwork also improved dramatically. With better vision, their ability to focus and engage in lessons soared, leading to noticeable improvements in their grades and participation.
“For these kids, getting glasses isn’t just about being able to see better—it’s about boosting their confidence and their belief in themselves,” Crowley said. “Seeing them thrive, knowing I helped make that possible, is the best feeling.”
Despite not having children of her own, Crowley considers each of her pupils as her own. “Their success is my success,” she said with a smile.
School Principal Jardine Jappie also commended Crowley’s efforts, praising her initiative and commitment to improving her students’ educational experiences.
“This may seem like a small issue, but for a student who can’t see the board or their book, it’s a huge barrier to learning,” Jappie explained. “What Miss Crowley did was remarkable. She took charge and made sure these students got the help they needed, and we are extremely grateful to her and to SpecSavers for making this possible.”
Thanks to Miss Glynn Crowley’s tireless efforts, many students at Rietenbosch Primary School now have clearer vision—and brighter futures.
