Thank You to Teachers Everywhere: The Stories that WUSC Supporters Told Us for Day of the Girl

We believe one of the best ways to support girls to reach their full potential is through education. Mentors play a big role in education, teaching critical life skills beyond the traditional school curriculum. That’s why, in celebration of Day of the Girl this October 11, we invited the WUSC community to share their stories of mentor or teacher inspiration. We were honored that so many friends and supporters took the time to write back with openness about their experiences, and deep insights into why mentors and teachers made such a difference to them.

Every story moved us. Including those told by women with lived experiences as refugees who spoke of the pivotal people who stood by them as they overcame challenges, expanded their imaginations, gained strength, and accomplished their goals.

Here are a few of the incredible stories of perseverance, resilience, and the power of mentorship that we heard:

Growing up in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, I attended Angelina Jolie Primary School, where my English teacher, Mr. Matur, once told me I could fly from the hill near our school, Kalimjuj, to Mount Everest through my book and pen. That was the moment I first learned about the WUSC scholarship, and from then on, I worked hard to get good grades in Class 8 so I could join a good high school. After succeeding in high school, I kept pushing myself to excel in Form 4, aiming to qualify for the WUSC scholarship. Eventually, my hard work paid off, and I earned the scholarship, which brought me to Canada. Now, I am studying finance and computer science at the University of Lethbridge, with the hope of becoming a data scientist. To the girls in refugee camps, I want you to know that you can make it, and I hope my story inspires you as much as Mr. Matur’s words inspired me. Having a good relationship with your teachers or mentors can help you, as you can learn so much from them, just as I did from Mr. Matur. – Habibo, Canada

During my time at Kakuma Refugee Secondary School in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp, I had the privilege of being taught by an extraordinary teacher who made a lasting impact on me—Mr. Osore. Our school faced many challenges, but despite this, I stayed late, often until 6 PM, determined to excel and achieve the grades needed to qualify for the WUSC scholarship, which I believed would change my life. It was during these extended study hours that I met Mr. Osore. What amazed me most about him was his selflessness and dedication. He dedicated every effort to ensure we had the resources to succeed, staying late to teach and even printing exams at his own expense. He gave us key insights into exam-taking, and even encouraged other teachers to perform their best for the benefit of our education. His belief in his students, especially the girls, was a source of constant motivation for me. He often spoke to younger students about me, encouraging them to see me as a role model because I competed academically with the boys in a way that was uncommon. Even after I left Kakuma and joined the University of Ottawa through WUSC, Mr. Osore and I stayed in contact. He continues to inspire me to maintain my dedication and passion for learning. He may not realize the full extent of his impact, but I will forever be grateful for his guidance, generosity, and belief in me. – Asia, Canada

I remember my first menstruation started when I was in grade 6. When I felt scared, and that made me not want to interact with any of my classmates. My teacher quietly gave me a clean uniform, a pad, and showed me how to use it. Her kindness and understanding was so important to me, and she was with me through the journey. – Khadija, Kenya

Dr. Sera Gondwe emphasized putting yourself in someone else’s shoes—the same principle which is used to craft products in financial markets and beyond. Above all, she is a humble and hard-working woman. – Patrick, Malawi

I met Madam Agnes at the high school where I completed my final examination. She is a very kind lady who is always willing to listen and help me in every way possible. Madam Agnes knew I was a refugee student and encouraged me to continue applying for the WUSC scholarship until the day I will be granted the opportunity. She also taught me to eliminate the word “GIVING UP “ in my vocabulary. I admire her knowledge , kindness, compassion and integrity. – Aluong, Kenya

Despite my struggles in math, Mr. Kiberige believed in me and worked with me one-on-one, giving me exercises and helping me do better. That support led me to pursue statistics at university and I will be graduating in December 2024. – Sarah, Uganda

Dr. Diane Kashin convinced me that I had the skill, experience and tenacity needed to thrive in a leadership role. Through her ability to recognize my gifts and see the light in me, I served an organization and its members for five years doing advocacy work for Early Childhood Educators. I wish for all girls to find mentors who can create space for them to engage and participate but also aid in their leadership development. I am forever thankful to Dr. Diane Kashin, and maintain a willingness to engage and support young girls as she did for her entire career! – Chanequa, Canada

Judy Sims has been my coach in my social impact career in the last three years. She has been instrumental to my professional development as we navigate complex systems of power and equity as a woman of colour. She’s led workshops and one on one coaching to overcome imposter syndrome, how to overcome toxic workplaces, and more. She made me feel heard, seen and has strong empathy towards every situation I’ve encountered. It’s been groundbreaking and transformative having Judy Sims in my life. – Thi, Canada

The kind gesture of a doctor who helped connect me to a medical internship has never left my memory. I have mentored many along the way just to replicate what was done for me. – Josephine, Ghana

The mentorship of my thesis supervisor taught me that the research journey is as important as the final product and that embracing challenges can lead to profound personal and academic growth. Her example of resilience and dedication to scholarly inquiry has influenced my approach to both my academic work and my professional aspirations. I’ve since adopted a similar mentorship style, prioritizing encouragement and reflection to support others in their journeys, just as she did for me. – Yayo, Canada

As a young girl with ADHD, I often felt misunderstood, but my father saw potential where others saw difficulties. His belief in me helped me rise from the bottom of the class to the top five, and his lessons continue to guide me today. – Aisha, Nigeria

My high school English teacher, Mrs Meck, was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide and a source of inspiration. Mrs Meck’s passion for teaching, her empathy and her unwavering belief in her student’s abilities made her exceptional. She instilled in me a love for writing and a resilience that extends beyond academics. – Clementina, Malawi

My teacher Mallam Tahir’s lesson on waste disposal during primary school shaped my future as a community changemaker. He gave me the first lessons in how the actions of human activities contributed to climate change. His mentorship was pivotal in my growth, both personally and professionally. – Muhammad, Nigeria

My teacher’s belief in me helped me rise from class president to head girl to vice president of the university student union. She pointed to our country’s president that year, who was a woman, as an example to follow. She said that you start with small positions to get to a big position as a leader. – Jemimah, Malawi

During a really difficult period, my professor created a safe space where I could talk about my struggles and learn. His honest and compassionate example showed me how to be easier on myself. In the long run, my grades increased, my relationship with professors became better, and my willingness to live a happy life also increased. – IC, Canada

Growing up as a refugee girl, my mother was my first and most significant mentor. Despite the challenges we faced, especially as refugees, she stood firm in her belief that education was the key to changing a grass thatched house to a concrete building with iron sheet. I clearly remember the times when it felt like all the odds were against us, yet my mother never wavered. Her persistence inspired me to continue my education, and today, I am a proud Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the African Leadership University in Rwanda and a Cohort Three(3) Lead(H)er fellow under YouLead Africa. Her resilience and belief in the power of education shaped who I am, teaching me the importance of giving back. Inspired by her, I co-founded Konybaai Education Initiative alongside my friends Jacob Yen Alier, our Founder and CEO, who is also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at USIU-Africa, and Majok Lual Magot, our Co-Lead and a WUSC beneficiary studying at St. Mary’s University in Canada. Together, we launched Konybaai to support vulnerable refugee children, particularly girls at risk of child labor, early marriage, and those who are orphans. So far, nine girls have benefited from our program, and our goal is to empower even more young girls to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their potential. – Angeth, Uganda

Despite working in a demanding job at the bank while also practicing psychology, Kistin Mbabazi Kistin maintained a positive outlook on life and radiated hopefulness. This resilience inspired me; it showed me that even amidst challenges, one could find strength and purpose. She encouraged me to look into the mirror and repeat “I AM SUFFICIENT,” it felt like a powerful declaration rather than just words. Kistin’s mentorship transformed not just how I viewed myself but also how I engage with the world around me to build resilience, empathy and love within myself and towards others. – Vasta, Rwanda

Pricilla, a program trainer, taught me to make jewelry out of recycled glass beads. Through her mentorship, great lessons and constant encouragement I was able to greatly improve my jewelry making skills. She has now taken me on as an employee, greatly improving my life. – Jennifer, Ghana

Despite facing challenges living in Kakuma Refugee Camp, I pursued my passion for fashion through starting a tailoring shop. With business training and mentorship, I transformed it into a social enterprise that empowers single mothers in Kakuma through skills training and sustainable fashion. – Christine, Kenya

My education journey has been shaped by three incredible teachers. All of them have gone beyond teaching to provide broader support and inspiration in my life. Now, I aspire to mentor others as they did for me. – Justine, Uganda

As a girl growing up without a father, Reverend DC Mphande’s teachings resonated deeply with me. He often spoke about the importance of resilience and hard work, which motivated me to excel in my studies. Every time I faced challenges, I remembered his words about perseverance. I wanted to honor the support given to me by my uncles and show that their belief in me was well-placed. Earning my Bachelor’s degree felt like a triumph not just for me, but for them as well. Mr. Mphande was a remarkable mentor, exemplifying qualities that inspired everyone around him. He believed in each person’s potential, instilling confidence and motivating us to believe in ourselves. His example of compassion and dedication continues to influence me, reminding me to lead with empathy and resilience in all I do. – Chikondi, Malawi

I remember Mohamud, my ICT teacher, seeing us students struggling and even giving up at a particularly challenging programming task. Instead of showing disappointment, Mohamud smiled and encouraged us to see the problem as a puzzle waiting to be solved. He patiently walked us through each step breaking down the complexities and showing us how to approach it from a new perspective. His example taught me that learning isn’t about perfection but progress. – Maison, Kenya

Read more about WUSC’s programs that support girls’ education through mentorship, and about other key interventions that we make to improve education enrollment, retention, and quality. Through these interventions, we aim to create a world where all girls can benefit from education and reach their full potential. To contribute to creating these positive outcomes for girls, please consider making a donation to WUSC’s girls’ education programs.

*The stories submitted by members of our community were edited for brevity and clarity.