Meet Esmeralda Williams, our new MYP Theatre Teacher!

Welcome to WIS! What would you like us to know about you?

I was born and raised in Windhoek Namibia but I have lived in South Africa for the past 10 years and just returned home. I am passionate about using applied arts to facilitate  healing, teaching and personal development. I love working with children and young people. Their vibrance, curiosity and resilience inspire me. I am a big advocate for mental and emotional wellbeing and holistic health. Theatre is my homebase, a place where I draw my inspiration from.  A very special place where words and worlds collide, creating new realities, a place where magic happens, where you can dream, play and be anything or anyone. I am excited to be back home, in Namibia and teaching drama.

Could you tell us a little about your philosophy of education?

When it comes to education I echo the words of the legendary Nelson Mandela when he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” I know from my own experience and background that education is an invaluable tool to create your future. It is a journey and as much as we thrive to reach a certain destination, it is in the process where we learn most about ourselves, others and the world. When teaching, I encourage my students to take ownership of their learning process, to be present and curious. As a drama teacher I always strive to create a fun, playful and engaging space where students can express themselves freely.

People often like to know their teacher’s academic background and professional experiences. What and where have you studied? Where have you worked?

I studied African Performing Arts (Music, Dance, Drama) at College of the Arts in Windhoek. Then I wanted to do something that combined my interest in psychology with my passion for drama. That’s when I discovered the field of Drama therapy – an expressive arts therapy that uses the healing potential of ‘dramatic arts’ for therapeutic purposes. I then did a BA (Hons), (Psychology), followed by a Masters degree in Drama therapy from University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg South Africa. Over the past 6 years I have worked in various settings as an applied arts facilitator, drama teacher and drama therapist – teaching, facilitating group processes and designing targeted interventions for various programmes.

What do you do when you aren't teaching?

I love going out in nature, socialising and catching up with friends or relaxing at home watching a good movie.

Why did you choose WIS?

I chose WIS because their principles align greatly with my own values and outlook on life and education. I love the culture diversity, inclusivity and international mindedness – which are things that resonate with me as someone who has lived and worked in a different country. I also appreciate the holistic approach to teaching and learning, where the whole child is considered and there is an emphasis on the community effort to look after our children.  I believe it is a great place to expand my teaching skills whilst making new connections, learning and growing. I look forward to being part of the WIS community and contributing in a meaningful way. 

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you? 

I am a mother of two wonderful and very special little boys who both have also joined WIS.  So I will be joining the school as both parent and teacher, which is a privilege to be close to them and be  involved in their school life as well.  A fun fact about me is that

I am an obsolete  DIY enthusiast , and love a good challenge if I have the tie for it. Most things I know, I have taught myself with some help from Youtube videos. I enjoy taking on little diy experimental projects, making things from scratch whether it is homemade focaccia bread, mayonnaise, gnocchi, a pirate ship birthday cake or deodorant! My next big project will be to try and make my own sourdough bread at home.