Online Reporter
Gabriel Manyeruke
DURING a recent career guidance session, a learner posed a sincere, perhaps innocent, question: “Sir, why are you a teacher? Were there no other better professions that you could have chosen to pursue?”
This question struck a deep chord.
In a world where learners aspire to become engineers, doctors, lawyers and business moguls, teaching is rarely seen as a dream profession.
But each of these celebrated careers stands squarely on the shoulders of a teacher.
Invisible sacrifice
As the exam season intensifies, many teachers in Zimbabwe go far beyond the call of duty.
They teach after hours, on weekends and during holidays, often unpaid.
Their driver is not a monetary incentive but the quiet pride of seeing a struggling learner finally grasp a concept.
They carry the pressure of results, not just for the high-flyers, but for every learner, regardless of ability.
Beyond the stereotypes
Yes, there is talk that teachers only work hard when incentives are involved or when they charge for extra lessons.
There may be a grain of truth in that. But let us not ignore the many who labour with integrity, who innovate with limited resources and who refuse to give up on any learner.
These are the teachers who tailor their teaching methods, who actively search for the right media to enhance understanding and who truly believe that no child should be left behind.
For those who joined the profession out of pure passion, the real reward is not monetary. It is the joy of seeing a learner pass.
It is the quiet satisfaction of knowing you helped shape a future.
These educators teach more than just subjects; they teach life.
They instil discipline, resilience and values that learners may not appreciate now, but will one day look back at with profound gratitude.
Let us be honest: Some learners are difficult. They can be disrespectful, dismissive and quick to blame teachers for their own lack of effort.
Some believe if they fail, the teacher is the one who should be questioned.
Yet, even in such challenging environments, committed teachers press on.
They correct, they counsel and they care.
A simple thank you goes a long way
To the learners, your teachers are human, too.
They have families, worries and dreams.
A simple thank you message, a kind word or a moment of appreciation can mean the world.
Acknowledge the teacher who encouraged you when you were down and who believed in you when you did not believe in yourself.
Every professional we admire — doctor, lawyer, engineer or successful entrepreneur — was once a child in a classroom.
And in that classroom stood a teacher. Let us never forget that the foundation of every great career is laid by a teacher’s hand.
World Teachers’ Day should never pass like a non-event.
It should be a moment of national reflection, gratitude and celebration.
When we honour teachers, we honour the very roots of our progress in society.
Gabriel Manyeruke is an author and educator at Wise Owl High School in Marondera. Contact details: +263774122288, [email protected]
