This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
On September 7, 2019, renowned author and teacher Austin Bukenywa penned a heartfelt plea to his fellow educators, urging them to maintain their dignity, unity, and focus on their students.
As a teacher himself, Bukenywa understands the challenges and rewards of the profession. He recalls being enrolled as Teacher No. 1013 by the Teachers Service Commission in May 1977 and being sent to teach at Machakos Girls High School, where he was first called 'Mwalimu.'
The term 'Mwalimu' carries special connotations in East Africa, particularly in Tanzania and Uganda. In Tanzania, it refers to the country's independence hero, Dr. Julius Kambarage Nyerere, while in Uganda, it is reserved for Qur'anic teachers.
Bukenywa takes pride in being associated with spiritual teachers or trainers, seeing his teaching career as a spiritual privilege to lead God's people out of ignorance into knowledge. He emphasizes the importance of teachers in shaping society, imparting qualities such as intelligence, humanity, and self-respect to the young.
However, Bukenywa notes that teachers cannot inculcate these virtues in their students if they do not possess them themselves. He stresses the need for teachers to be role models, living up to high expectations and maintaining their dignity and integrity.
Despite the challenges faced by teachers, including overwork, underpayment, and lack of recognition, Bukenywa urges his fellow educators to keep fighting for their rights and to remain united. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of decency, decorum, and dignity in the teaching profession.
