Alfredo back from 6 months in Malawi
Teaching is a noble profession that holds the key to transforming societies and shaping the future.
I dare say that nowhere is the impact of dedicated educators more evident than in Africa, a continent where education plays a crucial role in overcoming challenges and unlocking potential that in turn becomes the most powerful tool to combat poverty.
Being a core group teacher in Africa and being able to carry out projects was a unique experience; the most gratifying reward is seeing the immense effect this had on the lives of students and communities.
Foster knowledge and empower minds – As a core group teacher in Africa, you are embarking on a mission to further knowledge and empower young minds. Despite the challenges that can arise due to limited resources, overly distinct customs and the different mindsets of the many tribes that the students may come from, classrooms often become a breeding ground for inspiration and resilience.
My job as a teacher was to help change the mind of new students and I truly believe that instilling the philosophy of “Another Kind of School” equips students with the necessary tools to help break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Teaching methods are innovative and passionate teachers spark a love for learning, fostering creativity and critical thinking skills that extend well beyond the classroom.
Accept diversity and cultivate cultural exchange – Africa is a continent rich in diversity, with a tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions. Being a teacher in Africa provides a unique opportunity to embrace this diversity and cultivate cultural exchange among students.
By celebrating the differences and similarities among various ethnic groups, primary school teachers foster respect, understanding and unity through lessons that incorporate local customs and traditions, educators promote a sense of global citizenship and thus teachers in Africa play a vital role in shaping inclusive and harmonious societies.
Overcome challenges and inspire resilience – Being a core group teacher in Africa requires resilience and ingenuity. Educators often face challenges such as limited infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and insufficient instructional materials.
Bearing in mind that my students were future primary school teachers, I saw the need to work on developing issues like proactivity, ingenuity, resilience and creativity by launching three projects:
- construction of tables and benches on campus.
- construction of a chicken house for eggs.
- repair and renovate preschools.
The first hurdle was money, so we came up with a school fundraiser which turned out as a big success; then it was a challenge to get the materials and then get the job done. Little by little they themselves realized how we were overcoming obstacles until we achieved extraordinary results without spending a single dollar on labor.
Impacting lives and shaping communities – “Another Kind of Teacher” extends well beyond academic knowledge. Even before the projects were finished, the work was already done. The most important thing was the demonstration of how objectives can be achieved by working in community and the most important thing is to make the next educators understand that they play a fundamental role in shaping the lives of their students and can positively influence entire communities.
Teachers train people to become active participants in their society, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They become catalysts for change, equipping students with the tools to address social and environmental challenges.
In addition, teachers act as mentors, offering guidance, support and instilling values that form responsible citizens.
Doing this program helped me to rediscover myself, to remove the distractions and the smoke of “normal” life within the system and to see my true self; it helped me to challenge myself against the mirror and not run away from my internal problems, in short, it helped me develop as a person making me understand that education is the key to open the future.
Alfredo Nunez, Colombia.