Teacher's Pet Teacher

You're not supposed to do it, of course, but you can't help it - it's human nature.  We all have "favorites".  When you train 19 participants, it's inevitable that you have stronger personal feelings for one or two of them than for most of the others.  Sometimes it's the ones who speak the best English (a bias that I work hard to overcome).  Sometimes it's the outgoing, funny ones.  But sometimes it is someone in whom everyone - participants and trainers alike - see something special.

Twins separated at birth?

Meet Teshale, one of our primary school teachers.  From the start, I had a strong affection for this man (and not just because we're built exactly the same!)    He's a soft-spoken, deeply spiritual man, but he was also a very active participant in all of our lessons.  He has a warm smile and a quick wit.  When he answered a question or led a devotion, everyone hung on every word.  He was clearly recognized as a leader by all of the participants.

But I've known many Ethiopian men and women who exhibit these qualities.  What makes Teshale unique became apparent when his group did a "teach back" of one of the lessons to the other participants who played the role of primary school students.  As soon as Teshale began to address the class, the whole room lit up.  His eyes, his smile, his body language, his voice - every part of him was reaching out to these "children", encouraging and exhorting them.  Even these "teachers as children" couldn't help themselves, and all were raising their hands, wanting to be chosen.  And every one that was chosen was made to feel special by the smile and praise they received as a reward for their answer.  I was absolutely overwhelmed.

Teshale busts a move in the "latrine dance"

After that class, I approached Teshale and put my hand on his shoulder.  I told him that his students in his school were blessed to have him as a teacher, and that I wish that  I had had a teacher like him when I was in primary school.  Tears welled up in his eyes and he hugged me and whispered, "Thank you, Jim, I love you so much", and he kissed me on the neck.  From that point on, we had a bond that will never be broken.

I tell this story in order to remind you - and myself - that the people that we train on these trips are gifted professionals with passion and joy for their work.  They don't need to be "trained" so much as they need a few new ideas and some encouragement in their very difficult jobs.  They share their experiences and encourage each other as well. And I am blessed by learning much more than I teach from these wonderful teachers.  I'll be a far better Lifewater trainer because I had the opportunity to spend two weeks with Teshale and his classmates.