The Core of Learning: The Teacher – A Tribute to Mr. Kilasi
On this World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the incredible impact teachers have on society. They are the unseen architects of our future, shaping the minds and characters of students across the globe. Today, I reflect on one such architect who made an indelible impact on my life—my high school mathematics teacher, Mr. Kilasi. Through his unique teaching philosophy and his commitment to educational advocacy, he embodied the true essence of an educator, and his influence on me and many others remains profound.
Mr. Kilasi was more than just a mathematics teacher—he was a mentor, confidant, and role model. His ability to turn complex mathematical concepts into engaging lessons made learning both enjoyable and enlightening. For him, mathematics was not just a subject of formulas and numbers, but a creative language that could tell stories. His infectious enthusiasm transformed the subject into a thrilling challenge, not a chore, which inspired a genuine love for learning.
His classroom was a sanctuary, where mistakes were embraced as valuable teaching moments, rather than failures. Before every start of a session, Mr. Kilasi could welcome anyone to talk about anything: from home to school, to teachers, to students’ welfare, even about himself, and he never feared judgment. This philosophy of treating errors as stepping stones to mastery fostered confidence and resilience in his students. He consistently demonstrated that education was a collaborative process—a partnership between teacher and student, where both could learn from each other.
A Teacher’s Voice – Key!
In today’s ever-evolving educational landscape, the voice of a teacher like Mr. Kilasi is crucial. He always believed that education should adapt to meet the changing needs of society. He frequently advocated for curriculum reforms that made learning relevant to real-world issues. Whether it was integrating new technologies into the classroom or pushing for more holistic approaches to learning, Mr. Kilasi understood the power of evolving education. In one of the afternoon classes, he took us out for an outdoor class, to fuse math and nature. It became a norm for other teachers to embrace nature-based leaning, and this empowered teachers to bring nature’s proven academic, wellbeing, and planetary benefits into schools through the way they teach. He championed the role of teachers in shaping not only the classroom experience but also education policies. His voice has been heard in the ongoing policy review and development under the National Educational Sector Strategic Plan 2023-27. Mr. Kilasi did what is being advocated currently through CBC even before the current reforms to have CBC in place, he already was embracing
More than just a teacher, he was a true advocate for change. He recognised that teachers must be at the forefront of conversations around educational reforms, actively participating in policy discussions. His voice contributed to transforming how students learn, and his passion for education was not confined to his classroom—it reached into the community. His leadership made students realise that their education was about more than passing exams; it was about gaining the skills and confidence to impact the world positively. In a study conducted by PAL Network, My Village Project, a well-supported and commit teacher will go beyond teaching, and connect with the community and involve them in the learning of children. This will on the long run have a positive impact on life Skills development among leaners, to build their confidence, self-esteem, and decision-making abilities.
Beyond the walls of his classroom, Mr. Kilasi was a tireless advocate for education reform. He regularly participated in community discussions aimed at improving school resources and making the curriculum more relevant to students’ real-world needs. He believed that teachers had an essential role to play in the development of educational policies, and he was unafraid to challenge the status quo to ensure that the education system served all students fairly.
His belief in the power of education to drive societal change also extended to inspiring us—his students—to pursue careers in education and advocacy. Through his stories about the mentors who shaped his own path, he helped us understand that we, too, could play a role in transforming the education system for future generations. His advocacy efforts left a lasting imprint, not only on his students but on the wider educational community as well.
Strengthening teacher skills: teacher – learner relationship
What made Mr. Kilasi’s impact truly special was his ability to connect with students at a personal level. He made a point of understanding our individual strengths, interests, and challenges. This personalized attention transformed learning from a standardized process to a deeply meaningful experience. We weren’t just students following a curriculum; we were young people with dreams, and he took the time to nurture them. He showed us that our voices, too, mattered. This is core in the delivery of the Competency-Based Curriculum in our country, where, teachers are re-tooled through an in-service programme. In the study conducted by Usawa Agenda in 2023, it indicates that only 60 percent of teachers attended in-service training in the last 2 years. Ideally, all teachers should be trained or re-tooled so as to deliver not only the curriculum, but also the soft skills necessary for a learner like me to thrive.
Mr. Kilasi’s unique approach to teaching reflected a deep sense of empathy and care. By cultivating a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, he made us feel that education was a shared journey, not something to be endured alone. He constantly reminded us that knowledge is not a one-way street; teachers learn from their students as much as students learn from their teachers. This understanding fostered a classroom environment filled with trust, making it a place where learning was not only possible but encouraged.
A Lasting Legacy
As we navigate the complexities of modern education, it’s important to recognise the vital role that teachers like Mr. Kilasi play. Their voices are not just important, they are essential. By valuing and listening to teachers, we can ensure that education remains dynamic, responsive, and inclusive. On this World Teachers’ Day, let us honour the voices of educators everywhere, particularly those like Mr. Kilasi, who continue to inspire and drive meaningful change in the education system.
Mr. Kilasi’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to his students and community reminds us of the profound impact a teacher can have. His legacy continues to inspire not only me, but all who had the privilege of learning from him. Through teachers like him, we can work towards building an education system that truly meets the needs of every student—one that values creativity, fosters empathy, and champions innovation.
I celebrate and value Mr. Kilasi, and all other teachers’ roles towards a new social contract for education on this World Teachers’ Day.
Emmanuel Okumbo, Intern at Usawa Agenda
