They do this not just by delivering the curriculum. Rather, they serve as mentors, role models, and even advocates for their students, guiding and supporting them through challenges to help them recognize and hone their abilities. They nurture curiosity through hands-on activities and create an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth, playing a vital role in shaping both academic success and personal development as a platform for future success.
To mark World Teachers’ Day, we asked current Speed School learners a set of questions to elicit descriptions of how their teachers motivate them in class and inspire them to study hard for a fulfilling future. Their celebration of their teachers offers a powerful reminder that meaningful learning often begins when children feel supported and encouraged to succeed.
James, 15 years old, from Okwalo Primary School, Uganda, responded to the question, “What do you admire and appreciate most about your teacher?” in the following way:
“I appreciate and admire my Speed School teacher, Teacher Moses, because of the way he teaches us. He is patient and not harsh with us. I used to be afraid of raising my hand in class, but Teacher Moses encourages me to participate and supports us in our groups. He repeats and explains lessons until we all understand. I also appreciate Teacher Moses because he cared about me beyond the classroom. I used to stay at home instead of coming to school, but he talked to me and my mother about the importance of completing school. Because of his encouragement, I now love coming to school every day. He makes learning fun and motivates me to keep learning and stay in school.”
James’ classmate, Irene, 14 years old, added:
“What I like most about Teacher Moses is the way he gives us opportunities to practice making sentences in our groups while he guides us. We help and encourage each other, and this has helped me to speak English more freely and confidently. He also gives everyone a chance to present what we have discussed in our groups. He does not allow us to laugh at someone when they make a mistake. Instead, we correct and help one another. This makes me feel free to participate and learn without fear. That is why Teacher Moses is my best teacher.”
Edlam from Bandira Primary School, Ethiopia, answered the same question:
“I see her like my own mother. I do not think I could find another teacher like her anywhere. She treats us like her own children. She really cares about us. In the past, I dropped out of school several times. But after I met Etalem and joined her class, I completed my education without missing a single day.”
Another group of students explained what it is specifically that their teachers to enliven their lessons, responding to the question, “What does your teacher do to make learning enjoyable, interesting or motivating?” Nicholas, 14 years old, from Okwalo Primary School, Uganda, responded:
“I admire Teacher Paul because of the way he teaches us Science. He often gives us practical activities that help us understand what we learn in class. For example, when he taught us about different types of soil, he showed us that clay soil is good for building houses, while loam soil is best for farming. When I went home, I practiced what I had learned by using clay soil to make my own small house. I was very happy to see that I could apply what I learned at school in real life. I have my small house because of what Teacher Paul taught me. His practical way of teaching makes Science interesting and motivates me to learn more. He has also inspired me to want to become a science teacher.”
Meretech, 13 years old, of Mekonisa Primary School, Ethiopia, explained:
“We learned by seeing, making, and practicing things ourselves. When we learned English letters, we made them using cardboard, sand, sticks, and clay. This way of learning made lessons enjoyable and encouraged us to attend and participate actively.”
Peter, 12 years old, of Ajota Primary School, Uganda responded that:
“I want to become a teacher when I grow up. I really admire the way Teacher Betty helps us practice writing. She makes us write one by one on the drawn lines, and this has helped me improve my handwriting. Now, most of us in the class write well because she supports and guides us in our groups. I also like the way Teacher Betty corrects us when we make mistakes. She calls us aside and talks to us calmly instead of shouting at us in front of other children. This makes me feel comfortable and willing to learn from my mistakes. I especially enjoy the songs she teaches us in Religious Education. They teach us important things like sharing and helping one another. These songs make learning fun and are one of the reasons I like Teacher Betty so much.”
Abebayehu, 14 years old, from Mekonisa Primary School, Ethiopia, explained how his teacher makes learning enjoyable as follows:
“[Our teacher] provides us with a very good learning experience and helps us achieve positive learning results. We also learn from the materials, pictures, and other learning resources displayed around our classroom. We learn from each other by observing and discussing these materials. Even when the teacher is not present, the learning materials displayed in the classroom help us continue learning together.”
Across Speed School and other accelerated education classrooms in both countries, teachers are helping learners develop knowledge and skills while also fostering confidence, curiosity, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Their impact can be seen not only in academic growth but also in the aspirations their students hold for the future: becoming teachers, bankers, and other professionals who will one day contribute to their communities.
Every day, but today in particular, World Teachers Day, Geneva Global celebrates classroom instructors for the compassion, dedication, commitment, and skill they bring to their students, giving them a foundation of knowledge, skills, and ambition to transform their lives. By nurturing curiosity and helping children believe in themselves, they are opening doors to opportunity and helping learners build brighter futures, for themselves, their families, and their communities.