Celebrating World Teachers' Day 2023: Empowering Futures Amidst Crisis

Today, on World Teachers' Day, we reflect on the incredible resilience and dedication of educators worldwide. This year's theme, "Teachers: Leading in Crisis, Reimagining the Future," resonates deeply as we acknowledge the pivotal role teachers play in shaping societies, especially during times of disaster and conflict.  

At Penny Appeal, we stand in awe of the teachers who inspire and guide students through challenges, providing a beacon of hope and knowledge. Below, we explore how education is a force for transformation in the face of crisis and how Penny Appeal's initiatives are contributing to this vision. 

Education as the Cornerstone of a Resilient Future

Education has the power to transcend borders, cultures, and circumstances. It is the cornerstone upon which resilient societies are built. In times of crisis, when the world feels uncertain, it's education that provides stability and a roadmap for the future. Through education, we equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate life's challenges and drive positive change. 

Penny Appeal’s work in this area is extensive, but here are a few examples: 

Orphan Kind and Hifz Orphan Programmes in the Gaza Strip: In the midst of conflict and uncertainty, our Orphan Kind and Hifz Orphan programmes have provided vulnerable children in Gaza with access to quality education. By ensuring their education continues, we empower these children to break the cycle of poverty and build a brighter future. 

Educational Centres and Adolescent Clubs in the Rohingya Refugee Camps: The Rohingya refugee crisis has left countless children without access to proper education. Our educational centres and adolescent clubs offer a safe space for learning and growth, nurturing young minds to become catalysts for positive change within their communities. 

Building Schools in Afghanistan: Education in Afghanistan has faced its share of challenges, but we believe in its potential to transform the nation. Through the schools we've built, we provide Afghan children with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and contribute to their society's recovery. 

Enrolling Syrian Refugee Children in Lebanese Schools: Displacement shouldn't mean a lack of education. Our work helping to enrol Syrian refugee children in Lebanese schools has ensured that these children have the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their host communities. 

Educational Sponsorships around the world: By providing educational sponsorships to children in need, we break down barriers that prevent them from accessing education. Every sponsorship is a step toward a more equitable and promising future. 

Inspiring Teachers: Champions of Change

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day, let's acknowledge the unsung heroes: the teachers who tirelessly lead, inspire, and guide students through the storms of life. Their dedication goes beyond textbooks; it's a commitment to shaping the future with every lesson they impart. 

Heba's Story

In December 2008, future teacher Heba experienced a life-changing event - the death of her husband. At just 26 years old, Gaza-born Heba found herself responsible for two young children, including a baby less than three months old. Initially feeling hopeless, Heba soon realized that she needed to be strong for her children's future. 

After waiting for her baby to grow a little older, Heba embarked on a journey to complete her education. She obtained a high school certificate and then a bachelor's degree in basic education in 2017. However, after graduation, Heba was unsure of where to go for employment and experience. 

Fortunately, Heba had the opportunity to participate in Penny Appeal’s "Dignified Future for Women" training programme. This led to a 4-month internship at a basic education school at an educational centre in Gaza City – the first teaching job she was able to receive since graduating. During this time, Heba worked tirelessly to improve her teaching skills and gain valuable experience. 

Just one week after her contract ended, Heba was contacted by the Centre's management with another teaching job offer. She has expressed great joy and gratitude for this chance to gain steady employment. She thanked Penny Appeal for helping her to take the first step in her career, gain financial independence, and develop her self-confidence. 

For Heba, and many other Palestinian teachers just like her, educating children is about more than just giving marginalised children a better chance in life. It is about the future of Palestinian society, and the world that Palestinian children will inherit. Heba believes that education is a key factor in the liberation of Palestinians, and as such she works tirelessly to ensure her students understand this message. 

World Teachers' Day 2023 reminds us that education is the bedrock of resilience and progress, especially in times of crisis. At Penny Appeal, we're honoured to stand alongside dedicated teachers who are leading the way, transforming lives, and reimagining the future for those who need it most. Together, we can create a world where education is a beacon of hope, shining its light even in the darkest of times. 

Click here to build a school with Penny Appeal’s Education First appeal. 

Click here to sponsor and orphan with Penny Appeal’s OrphanKind appeal. 

Click here to sponsor a Hifz Orphan with Penny Appeal.