Biography of Mr. Dustin Coraizen

About Mr. Dustin Coraizen:

Mr. Dustin C. Coraizen is currently a Senior Education Specialist (SES) responsible for Languages in the Cape Winelands Education District (CWED). A dedicated agent of change and passionate educator at heart, he grew up inspired by his strong, community- driven upbringing in the West Coast Education District (WCED), before relocating to the Cape Winelands. Raised in a small fishing village, Paternoster, Mr. Coraizen’s younger years were shaped by a vibrant, close-knit community of women leaders, while his mother worked shifts in a fish factory to ensure he received the education she believed he deserved. He began his primary schooling in a multi-grade classroom — a formative experience that helped him appreciate the dynamics of teaching across age groups and the importance of addressing diverse learning needs. This upbringing and educational setting instilled in him a passion for lifelong learning and cemented inclusive, community-centered education as a key priority in his mission to support schools and after school programmes.

After completing his secondary schooling at Weston Senior Secondary School in Vredenburg, Mr. Coraizen took a gap year during which he served his community as part of the Junior Municipal Council at the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM). He then enrolled at Stellenbosch University, where he obtained his B.Ed. (General Education) degree cum laude, followed by a B.Ed. Honours degree in Curriculum Studies while teaching full-time. Throughout his undergraduate studies, he was actively involved in the Education Student Council (ESC) for several terms and completed additional short courses through Stellenbosch University (SU) in collaboration with Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP), as well as through the University of Cape Town (UCT). Mr. Coraizen was honoured with the International Golden Key Award for academic excellence and holds an international membership in this organisation. He is currently pursuing further postgraduate studies in Curriculum Studies to further deepen his understanding of learner motivation and school dropout statistics.

Mr. Coraizen began his formal teaching career at Rietenbosch Primary School in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, where he took on multiple roles, including grade, departmental, and subject-specific responsibilities, as well as cultural coordination and sports, while serving on the Senior Management Team (SMT). He also continues to serve as a volunteer and Educational Advisor for the Paternoster Project NPC, an organisation that fosters sustainable community development in Paternoster through education, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation initiatives connecting Paternoster with Germany and Namibia. Through these roles, Mr. Coraizen continues to drive educational transformation and community upliftment. He also presents at various national and international conferences, focusing on creating inclusive, dynamic learning environments that develop and strengthen learner potential.

Guided by the philosophy of Ubuntu, Mr. Coraizen believes deeply in being of service to others and contributing to the development of those around him. He is passionate about ensuring quality education for all learners, regardless of their background or unique learning styles, with a sincere focus on multi-grade education and community upliftment. Dedicated to combating early school dropouts, he strives to create inclusive spaces that empower every child to reach their full potential. Looking ahead, he is committed to advancing the professional development of teachers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to foster meaningful learning experiences in diverse classrooms where all learners are seen, heard, and supported to build the confidence they need for the world of work.