Entry Title:
The Teachings of the Poor
by Deborah Naybor My career plans at a young age included being an oceanographer, a forest ranger or a research biologist but never once did it cross my mind to teach. Through a series of twists and turns, I became a professional land surveyor and own my business, providing measuring and mapping for design and construction. I wore my hard hat to local schools on career days and conducted a few adult workshops but still had no desire to teach. Becoming a Teacher in Africa In 2000, I was invited to teach business and construction skills to women in Africa. As I carefully explained techniques, taught principles and demonstrated new skills, I saw the sheer joy and the immense pride of groups of women and girls as they mastered the new ideas. I pledged to return annually to continue our lessons. On subsequent trips, I visited primary and secondary schools and colleges, talking about the importance of education, as I had returned to school myself to finally get a bachelors degree after many years of working for a living. I heard stories from parents in Africa about the sacrifices they had made to provide their children with an education and the struggles they continued to go through as they themselves returned to learn basic literacy or to attend a class on agricultural skills. I watched the sheer joy on the face of an orphaned street kid when they were told they could attend school thanks to an American sponsor. I spoke with the children as they left the poorest slums in clean, brightly colored uniforms and walked miles despite dangers to attend a few hours of school each day. It was then I understood that education was more than a right. To these people, it was a privilege and in their eyes, a teacher was a learned and honored individual. It was these poor women and children who made me want to teach. Pursuing University Degrees I pursued university degrees with the idea that I would help to decrease extreme poverty in the world through some fantastic discovery. But the more I learned from the halls of academia, and the more the women and children in poor nations around the world taught me about poverty, the more I realized it was going to take more than one miraculous breakthrough to make a difference. And so I decided to teach…to teach what I have learned from the poor and through research and investigation and study…to teach a new wave of students about the causes of poverty and to help them to hone their excitement and knowledge into new policies, programs and potential. It is much more difficult to teach than I ever imagined but it is also much more rewarding than I would ever have thought possible. I am still learning from my students and from the poor I work with in 15 countries but I know that teaching gives me a channel for my passion to help others by creating a surge of caring, educated students ready to look for the small miracles that can reduce poverty in our lifetime. |
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Teaching: Who Inspired You to Become a Teacher, and How? |
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Dianna said @ July 19, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I have known Deb for almost 40 years and I have never met a more dedicated or devoted person. What ever scholarship you might award her she will give back 10 fold.
Loise said @ July 16, 2010 at 6:09 am
Deb is doing an awesome job, Vote for her.
Betsy Thornton said @ July 12, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Mama Debbie, as she is referred to by the international women and their families participating in Deborah Naybor’s program Both Your Hands. She works hands-on teaching women in their local communities in Africa, Central American and India to support themselves by setting up their own business. She is generous of her time and a role model for all of us that know her.
JOHN CARR said @ July 11, 2010 at 1:03 pm
PLEASE VOTE FOR DEBBIE
Udayan said @ July 10, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I got to know Deb recently when she was on a visit to North Bihar for starting a womens project in flood affected region. She perhaps is as good a contender as anyone else for much of what she earns is channeled for relief work around the Globe.
Amy Joyce said @ July 10, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Deb is an excellent instructor who cares deeply for her students. She realizes that education is an essential passport out of poverty on a global level. Deb is certainly well deserving of the award.
Rochelle Kanell said @ July 10, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Deb is a dedicated scholar who truly loves her work and deserves this scholarship hands down,
s said @ July 10, 2010 at 6:55 am
Deb deserves this scholorship
s said @ July 10, 2010 at 6:52 am
Deb is a wonderful lady,so loving and hard working. She loves the teaching profession and so she deserves this scholarsip
Audrey Lewis said @ July 9, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Have only heard the most amazing things about the awesome work Deb does. She is most worthy of this scholarship.
Ram Alagan said @ July 9, 2010 at 9:29 pm
This scholarship will certainly enhance Deb’s motivation to become a quality teacher and her capacity to work in Africa where she believes in Change, Sustainable Development, and Women Empowerment.
She deserves this.
Tiffany Moore said @ July 9, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Deb truly touches lives wherever she goes, teaching is an excellent opportunity for her to further share her passion with the world. This scholarship is a way to aid in expanding this dream.
Juhi Roy said @ July 9, 2010 at 5:39 pm
I have known Deb for sometime now.She does awesome work and she truly deserves this scholarship.
Beth Lorenz said @ July 9, 2010 at 11:35 am
Deb deserves this scholarship.