World Teachers’ Day: He gave me his own money so I could go to school.

“He gave me his own money so I could go to boarding school.” Children in Bangladesh celebrate World Teachers’ Day To mark World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, more than 1,600 students at SAMS, Monoshapara and AHTSS boarding schools in Bangladesh celebrated their teachers with songs, poems, flowers and personal messages. The most moving moments came when students shared stories about the difference their teachers had made to their lives.

The celebrations at the boarding schools began early in the morning, before the first lesson. The main school halls came alive with flowers, handmade paper crowns, songs and poems.

At SAMS boarding school, students put on a performance for their teachers. Afterwards, they added their personal wishes and messages to a banner prepared for the occasion. Some wrote directly on it, while most attached messages written on small pieces of paper. Within a few hours, the banner was covered with dozens of messages of thanks, creating a deeply personal gift for the teachers.

At AHTSS boarding school in the hills of south-eastern Bangladesh, Class 9 students worked with their teacher, Koyla Tripura, to prepare songs, poems and other performances. Two students also shared stories about how their teachers had influenced their lives. The celebrations ended with a meal organised by the school for students and teachers.

At Monoshapara boarding school, students also welcomed their teachers with flowers and thanked them for their daily work and support. The leadership teams at all three schools thanked the students for expressing their gratitude and praised the effort they had put into organising the celebrations.

Support that goes beyond the classroom

For children from poorer rural areas of Bangladesh, education is an important route to better opportunities in the future. Teachers at boarding schools and village schools often do far more than teach lessons and test their pupils’ knowledge. They also act as guides, advisers and sometimes even parental figures.

The stories shared during the celebrations showed just how profoundly one teacher can influence a child’s life.

“I’m here thanks to my first teacher at my village school. When I finished my studies there, he gave me his own money so I could go to boarding school,” said Sabitri Murmu, a Class 9 student at SAMS.

Another SAMS student, Akash Pandey, described how his biology teacher had helped him:

“I really like my biology teacher because he helped me change some bad habits and advised me on how to put my past mistakes right.”

Prity Sangma from Monoshapara expressed her gratitude simply:

“I’m grateful to my teachers for helping me build a better future.”

Teachers who change lives

World Teachers’ Day reminds us how much children benefit from people who give them their time, knowledge, patience and support. The stories shared by students at SAMS, Monoshapara and AHTSS show that teachers often influence children’s lives in ways that reach far beyond the classroom.

We thank all the teachers who help children in Bangladesh discover their abilities, overcome challenges and build a better future.

We also thank you, our donors. Your support enables children to attend these schools and provides them with the care and stable environment they need.

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