Teach the Future – Irene’s story

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Irene Bakulikira, teacher at Manor Lakes:

I always wanted to be a teacher. It’s been my dream all my life.

Teachers are amazing because when you think about it, every doctor started by learning.

And who taught the doctor? The teacher. And who taught the teacher? Another teacher.

My name is Irene Bakulikira. I’m from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I teach humanities and literacy.

We’re always learning and living in a world where no matter what you’re going to do in your life, you’re going to need a teacher to teach you how to do it.

As teachers, we get to be part of young people’s success journeys. I love walking into the classroom and seeing the students want to be there, and are eager to learn and get the skills they need to become the people they want to be.

For many of my students, having an African teacher inspires them. They have so much respect for the role we play in their lives, and that helps them to feel like I’m someone they can trust and talk to about anything. When you get to know them and understand their world, you can work around that to help them become the best versions of themselves.

Whatever you put your mind to it’s always going to come to pass.

I came here as a refugee and look where I am. I’m teaching.

I hope that maybe one of them can see me and think, oh, I have an African teacher. It’s possible, I want to do this.

[End of transcript]

Updated 7 March 2025

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Teach the Future – Irene’s story

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