When teaching was honourable

Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. Teachers were among the most respected people in the neighborhood. They were the richest, had everything the entire village didn’t. In my mind, teaching was the most honorable profession. It was more than just a career, it was a calling.

The fact that great leaders such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere were teachers prior to being leaders only fueled my dream. I wasn’t alone; nearly half my class aspired to the noble profession too.

A few years down the line, life has put me on a different path but my view on teaching remains the same. This is why the current situation with teachers saddens me. The once noble profession has become anything but.

Teachers strike has become so common especially around this time of year that it is no longer news. To add salt to injury, a study conducted showed that a good number of teachers show up to school but not to class. 

Others make occasional appearances to class and spend the bulk of their time in their businesses.

Don’t get me wrong, the teachers have the right to demand for a better pay and commit to their businesses but the way go about it is just wrong.

As it is today, finding a student who aspires to be a teacher is almost impossible. In their minds, teaching is no longer honorable or noble. It is just career that one happens to stumble upon when you don’t qualify to pursue the career you initially intended.

I don’t know about you but I would like to see honor and nobility restored to this profession.