Welcoming Revd. Jen Hands — a much-loved DGC Old Girl whose life has been shaped by faith, compassion and an extraordinary commitment to serving others.
A DGC girl from the age of four, Jen matriculated in 1964 before beginning a career in teaching. She returned to Durban Girls’ College in 1990, where she taught Religious Education from Grade 1 to Grade 11 and became the College’s first Chaplain.
In 1992, Jen became one of the first five women ordained as Anglican deacons in South Africa, marking an important moment in the history of the Anglican Church and beginning a lifelong ministry of pastoral care.
Through times of joy, grief and personal challenge, Jen has continued to offer comfort, kindness and compassion to generations of pupils, families and members of the wider community.
In 2017, she was honoured with the Galleon Old Girls’ Achievement Award for her selfless dedication, humility, grace and kindness. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership does not always happen in the spotlight — sometimes it is found in a listening ear, a helping hand, a prayer, or simply being there when someone needs you most.
