KAUTHAR ROOMANEY

THIS article is dedicated to all teachers.

Teaching is a job undervalued and underestimated. Teachers have the most important job in the world. We have the ability to mould future leaders, shape young minds, change lives, guide and aid our youth to become great.

Teachers have the power of educating, the power to drive our learners into becoming smart, resilient and brilliant.

Hazrat Ali (RA) stated, ‘If a person teaches me one single word, he has made me his servant for a lifetime.’

That is the value and status of a teacher. It is the most respected and dignified profession.

You may also want to read

Tribute to a global polyglot

8 September 2020 - Updated on 20 July 2021

Dr Yakub Essack: A humble legend who served humanity

2 May 2024 - Updated on 26 February 2025

Closing arguments expose the apartheid regime’s cover-up

9 May 2023 - Updated on 15 August 2024

The X factor and its impact on socio-political dialogue

25 August 2023 - Updated on 28 August 2024

We are not only teachers, we are role models, parents, counsellors and a very strong support system for our learners.

This extends far beyond the classroom.

Moreover, teaching emulates the occupation of the Prophet (SAW), as he said, ‘I have been sent as a teacher.’ Our Prophet (SAW) taught with humility and love.

This brings me to my next point. When you teach with passion, you don’t only convey information but you convey knowledge and share a part of yourself.

The ability to touch a life, to give, to inspire, to guide, to help, to see your learners smile at you, greet you in the corridors and their faces illuminated with understanding during a lesson, are a teacher’s greatest rewards.

Teaching is a vocation, a calling and is unconditional. Furthermore, when the element of love is incorporated into any act, it makes the act a labour of love.

Being an educator, especially during this global pandemic, I came to realise that motivating and empowering others are essential. From adapting to the challenges of online teaching to setting up classrooms for the Grade 12s and having to get through all the admin and pressure involved, make our job even more cumbersome.

However, the invaluable connections teachers develop with learners are so meaningful and precious that makes everything worth it. Our sole purpose is for our children to become functioning members of society, to become independent, critical thinkers and, most of all, to allow them to realise their full potential.

Furthermore, when we see them progress towards this goal, we are fulfilled. Teachers are indeed the unrecognised, underappreciated and unsung heroes, transmitting knowledge, transmitting truth and transmitting value. To all the teachers out there, and my colleagues, I salute you!

Kauthar Roomaney is a survivor, teacher and motivational speaker.