Before dawn breaks, teachers are already at work. They prepare lessons, mentor troubled students, and shoulder the silent burdens of society. Yet, far too often, their efforts go unnoticed. Every life they touch carries the imprint of their guidance, but public applause rarely reaches them while they are alive. Why must we wait for the afterlife to honour those who mould generations?
Inside a small village classroom, a teacher bends over a stack of exam scripts, marking each paper with care and offering encouragement. Years later, one of her students graduates at the top of the class, lands a high-paying job, and becomes a symbol of success. Headlines celebrate the student’s brilliance, yet the teacher who sowed the seeds of that success is rarely remembered. Praise, it seems, is reserved for results, while those who cultivate them remain in the shadows.
The Teacher’s Priceless Gift
A teacher might be physically poor — living in modest housing, lacking cars, or owning few material possessions. Yet they carry something no money can buy: knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and the ability to shape lives. They instil values, ignite curiosity, and nurture talents that can transform a student’s destiny. This is a gift unique to teachers — one that lasts a lifetime and ripples across generations.
Some alumni, however, remember. In one moving example, former students pooled resources to buy land and construct a home for their retiring teacher — a woman whose wisdom shaped generations, yet who had never owned property. She walked into her new home with tears streaming down her face, finally feeling the recognition she had long deserved. Such acts of generosity are inspiring, but they also reveal a painful truth: society often neglects teachers until individuals step in to honour them.
Even Presidents Acknowledge Teachers
Even at the highest levels of leadership, the influence of teachers is never forgotten. President William Ruto hosted over 10,000 teachers at State House in a historic forum, publicly acknowledging the pivotal role educators play in shaping the nation. Similarly, the late former President Daniel Arap Moi, who began his career as a teacher, often reflected on the impact of his own educators.
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Moi’s foundational education at Africa Inland Mission (AIM) School in Kabartonjo, followed by teacher training at Tambach Teachers Training College, set him on a path that eventually led to national leadership. While the specific names of Moi’s teachers are not widely documented, their guidance clearly shaped the man who became Kenya’s second president. These examples show that no matter one’s status, teachers leave an indelible mark that shapes leaders, communities, and the country itself.
When Parental Disrespect Harms Children
Parents must master the art of appreciation. The story of Wasike, a father of three, illustrates this vividly. Wasike frequently criticised teachers during parent meetings, belittling their qualifications and questioning their methods. His children, observing his behaviour, began to mirror it — showing disrespect toward their teachers, arguing in class, and disregarding instructions.
As time passed, Wasike noticed a steady decline in his children’s academic performance. His eldest son began skipping school, while his daughter became increasingly defiant and unmotivated. Despite his attempts to discipline them at home, the damage was done. It was during a parent-teacher conference that the full impact became clear: his youngest child lacked respect for authority and had developed a pattern of defiance. Only then did Wasike realise that his own actions had set a harmful example. Today, he reflects with deep regret, understanding that the way parents treat teachers directly shapes the attitudes, success, and character of their children.
Recognition Should Not Wait
Despite challenges like overcrowded classrooms, delayed salaries, and limited resources, teachers continue to give selflessly. They mentor children with patience, often sacrificing personal comfort for the sake of others. Their dedication deserves recognition now, while they can see and feel it, not years later in posthumous tributes. Fair pay, professional support, parental respect, and societal acknowledgement are obligations owed to those who dedicate their lives to moulding generations. Alumni generosity, while noble, should complement systemic recognition, not replace it.
A Call to Action
Parents must master the art of appreciation. Every kind word, every gesture of gratitude, and every act of respect strengthens the foundation of learning and reinforces the moral fabric of society. Let us imagine a world where every teacher is celebrated, respected, and supported — where their sacrifices are honoured in life, not just in death.
Because the truth is unassailable: teachers do not just educate; they create the future. They may be materially poor, but they possess something far more valuable than wealth — the power to shape minds, inspire generations, and leave an everlasting legacy. To honour them while they live is to celebrate life itself. To neglect them is to risk the very generations they toil to nurture.
By Hillary Muhalya
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