Thank you, teachers!
This World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate two teachers who help girls in rural Ethiopia develop essential skills
Happy World Teachers’ Day! Teachers are the architects of tomorrow. They shape minds, ignite dreams, and nurture potential. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom—they are role models, mentors, and counselors.
Meet the two Sheways from Chifra town in Ethiopia’s Afar region. These remarkable educators not only teach academic subjects but also equip young minds with essential life skills, guiding them to grow into their best selves.
“It brings me joy to help these girls gain essential skills that shape strong, positive personalities,” says Shewaye Eshetu, as she sits with a group of adolescent girls at Doctor Tenn Primary School in Chifra town. Together with her colleagues, Shewaye leads life skills training sessions twice a week, off regular school hours.
“We focus on empowering students—especially girls —to build confidence, improve communication, and learn how to resolve conflicts effectively,” she adds.
Shewaye is born to be a teacher. Her passion shines through in every lesson, as she constantly encourages her students to engage and participate in class activities. “I’ve always wanted to become a teacher,” she says. “My father was a teacher, and he inspired me deeply. Teaching is more than a job; it’s a responsibility to shape the future.”
After Shewaye is done with her session, her namesake, Shewaye Mebratu, counsels adolescent girls about menstrual hygiene. The girls also find it easy to talk to her about any challenges they face in school and at home.
In Ethiopia’s Afar region, UNICEF, with support from the European Union, has rehabilitated and reconstructed classrooms, including those at Doctor Tenn Primary School, where teachers Shewaye Eshetu and Shewaye Mebratu work. While the addition of new classrooms facilitated formal academic learning activities, teachers have also received training to provide essential life skills, such as communication skills, self-confidence, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills, to students. Both teachers have received this training and have since reached over 700 students, with sessions continuing for new groups. “The training was important for us as teachers,” says Shewaye Mebratu. “It helped us bridge a critical gap in delivering life-changing skills to our students.”
“Before the life skills training, I didn’t know how to communicate effectively—even with my own family,” says Rihana Abdu, a recent graduate of the three-month programme. “But our teachers guided us through communication techniques, conflict resolution, and the importance of respecting our elders,” she adds. Fatuma Seid also agrees with Rihana. For her, the life skill training is critical to build confidence.
"We are happy to see improvement in academic performance and character of our female students," says Hassen Mohammed, the school director. "Many of our top performers in class are girls. Hassen largely owes this success to the two teachers.
Teachers are more than just educators—they are role models who shape the next generation. Every lesson, every kind word, and every guidance they provide becomes a brick in the foundation of the future generation. In classrooms and beyond, the two Sheways are building leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
