Each school morning, Dollah arrives at Mazembe Primary School ready for another day of teaching.

The courtyard is filled with hundreds of kids running, singing, and laughing until the bell rings for the day’s first class.

Dollah, who teaches Standard 2, has 95 pupils in her class, fewer than some of her colleagues, but packed in her classroom. However, students with beaming smiles and notebooks are ready to learn.

Even with nearly 100 students, Dollah is as interactive as she can be with each one. Whether through lessons or marking, she makes it a priority to know her students. Dollah believes teaching is more than just the lesson on the chalkboard; teaching is guidance, love, and compassion, creating an environment where children can believe in themselves.

For the last 13 years Dollah has been one of the teachers we fund at Mazembe Primary School to help alleviate some of the challenges the school faces. She has witnessed the struggles of large classroom sizes and limited resources. But what keeps her motivated?

She said, “Knowing I can help children learn to read and write because it’s the tool needed for their future.”

Unfortunately, Malawi struggles with a large amount of school dropout rates, especially in higher year groups. Without a primary education, their future opportunities are hindered.

It’s teachers like Dollah who are dedicated to teaching younger children with a passion that will significantly impact a student’s success as they progress through school.