Celebrating Teachers on World Teachers’ Day

Education Cannot Wait recognizes the resilience of teachers in crisis areas on World Teachers’ Day and their essential role in nurturing the next generation.

By Education Cannot Wait

October 5^th, 2024

As we strive to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4, ensuring quality education for all, we must recognize the brilliant teachers who, despite the challenges of crisis and adversity, inspire their students to dream, learn and grow.

On this World Teachers’ Day, Education Cannot Wait (ECW) honors the devoted teachers around the world who are committed to their students, communities and profession.

Teachers play a crucial role in promoting inclusive and holistic quality education. ECW and its strategic partners provide continuous support to ensure the well-being and success of teachers through a variety of programmes that provide training, psychosocial care and financial assistance in crisis-affected countries like Chad, Nigeria and Ukraine.

Hafsat smiles as she teaches her students the alphabet at the ECW-funded temporary learning centre in Hajj Camp. © UNICEF/Ahmad Mari

Hafsat, Nigeria

“It would be correct to say that teaching is in my blood. I don’t see myself doing anything else.”

Hafsat, a 27-year-old teacher from Nigeria, always knew she was destined to teach. Raised in a family of educators, her passion for teaching was nurtured from a young age.

Now, at the Hajj Camp in Maiduguri, she teaches vulnerable children born into conflict or those displaced from their homes. For many children, this is the first time in the classroom. A world where they can be children again, learning, writing, playing and exploring.

Hafsat dreams of opening her own school one day. A school that provides not only education but also mental health and psychosocial support, empowering children to rebuild their lives.

“I love children and I also believe that my line of work is important for peace-building.” ~Hafsat

Teacher Samira Neimatova with one of the twins in the makeshift kindergarten in Dnipro, Ukraine. © UNICEF Ukraine/Mala

Samira, Ukraine

“These children deserve the chance to dream and grow, despite the chaos around them."

Each day, Samira steps into her makeshift kindergarten in Dnipro, Ukraine, where she works tirelessly with children affected by conflict and displacement. In her classroom, she creates a warm and nurturing environment that allows her students to forget the turmoil outside and embrace the joy of learning and play.

Samira sees her hard efforts pay off when once shy and nervous children like Milena and Varia, who initially ran to the corner of the rooms, begin to engage, laugh, draw, and share pieces of themselves.

“It's crucial that they can come to such a safe and friendly space. It is an opportunity to preserve their childhood.” ~Samira

Mamadou Adam Abakar, 30, teaches Khadidja and her classmates. © UNICEF Chad/Annadjib Ramadane

Mamadou Adam Abakar, Chad

“I teach a variety of subjects: science, spelling and arithmetic. We also engage in debates on important topics such as child marriage.”

With each lesson, Teacher Mamadou Adam Abakar dedicates his time and effort to transforming subjects into engaging discussions that resonate with his students' lives, sparking curiosity that extends beyond the classroom walls.

At the Non-Formal Basic Education Centre in Bol, Chad, where Mamadou Adam Abakar teaches, Khadidja eagerly raises her hand to answer questions, her growing confidence nurtured by her teacher. Inspired by Mamadou, she now dreams of becoming a laboratory technician, determined to pursue an education that once felt unattainable.

“I learn a lot here; [teachers at the education centre] patiently explain what is difficult to understand.” ~Khadidja, 13

Rukaya H Umar, Head teacher and Aisha's teacher helps Aisha in the classroom in Pompomari Primary School, Maiduguri, Borno State. © ECW

Empowering Teachers Today for Tomorrow

Teaching is a dangerous and difficult profession, especially in crisis-impacted communities, where funding shortfalls result in low salaries, limited training and strained resources. ECW advocates for teachers and the communities they serve in areas affected by armed conflicts, forced displacement and climate disasters, focusing on holistic support that addresses capacity building, retention, and well-being. By going beyond traditional training and financial support, ECW strives to create an environment that not only retains existing teachers but also attracts new ones amidst these challenges.

Education Cannot Wait (ECW) recognizes that teachers are the backbone of all educational efforts, especially in crisis settings. With 23,449 teachers recruited or financially supported, of whom 45% are women, ECW is dedicated to enhancing the teaching workforce. In addition, 107,613 teachers and education personnel have benefited from training on a variety of topics, with women making up 59% of those trained.

ECW celebrates teachers like Hafsat, Samira and Mamadou on World Teacher’s Day, who wake up every day determined to change the lives of their students in the face of immense challenges and continue to create a safe space for children who lack the support in their homes.

Teacher Imamaya Traoré works with students at Mahamane Fondougoumo School in Timbuktu, Mali. © UNICEF Mali/Keïta

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Footnotes

Story adapted and written by Iqra Amin and Samuel Arowosafe

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FootNotes

Story adapted and written by Iqra Amin and Samuel Arowosafe