Celebrating My Unsung Heroes: My Teachers (Part I)

"Teachers are a bridge, many pray before crossing it safely, while few pray after crossing, hoping the bridge continues to carry others safely."

Growing up, we encounter teachers at home and in schools, each influencing us uniquely. They may not always wield chalk or red pens, but their impact is profound. For me, my first lesson in mathematics wasn’t in a classroom, but at Uyole Market, where I helped my uncle, China, sell sugarcane. Without realizing it, he taught me multiplication, negative and positive numbers, long before I ever stepped into a first-grade class.

Here’s how I learned: I sold sugarcane at 25Tsh each, and when a customer bought 90 pieces, my uncle taught me to group them into fours to make a total price of 100 Tsh. I’d loudly count, "Mia, mia mbili, mia tatu..." because I knew that four pieces equaled 100 Tsh. By breaking the sugarcane into groups of four, I was essentially counting in hundreds, practicing addition and Multiplication at the same time. This method sped up customer service, and my uncle was impressed, thinking I was “sharp.”

It wasn’t until I started school that I realized how easy math was for me. My teachers had a much easier job reinforcing what I’d learned, and I soon found myself helping my classmates grasp the concepts. My uncle unknowingly laid the foundation for my mathematical skills. On this World Teachers' Day, I remember him first, along with the great teachers who shaped my journey—Bibi Tosiwe, Mama (R.I.P), Mwl. Mahinya (R.I.P), Mkumbwa, Siwale, Kibona, Kaka Method (R.I.P), Anko Hawadi (R.I.P), Alphonce Mchome, Halifa Junior, Kinwasi, and so many others. Happy Teachers' Day to all of them!

The point of sharing this story is to highlight that education comes from all directions. Some teach with books, lesson plans, and formal settings, while others impart wisdom in informal places—like markets, with nothing more than a simple ledger.

Quality education begins at home, in familiar surroundings, which is why Montessori philosophy emphasizes creating learning environments that reflect children’s familiar world, making tools and games that are easy to grasp.

Teachers have inspired me throughout my life, which is why, despite finishing a degree in engineering, I find myself immersed in educational entrepreneurship. I love empowering educators, supporting their work, and complementing their efforts to inspire others. What began as a DIY project to fight screen addiction for my son has evolved into ChemCheemi Africa , a venture deeply rooted in my personal journey.

Our initiative draws inspiration from learning through simple, playful methods at home. Together with teachers, we create culturally relevant content and games that reflect the Tanzanian curriculum. Teachers remain our backbone!

Once again, Happy World Teachers' Day to all the wonderful teachers out there!

#WorldTeachersDay #Gratitude #Education #STEM #EdTech #Chemcheemi #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship