Guest: Richard Kayenda

Institution: Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School

“If you can read this, thank a teacher!” This popular maxim highlights the unmatched role that teachers play in shaping nearly every profession. No matter the field—medicine, law, engineering, or the arts—there is always a teacher behind every success story. Teachers, whether in primary, secondary, or tertiary institutions, deserve our utmost respect for their dedication to molding future generations.

With this in mind, EM’s contributor, Emmanuel Chitambuli Timothy, sat down with Richard Kayenda, a language teacher at Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School in Mzimba District, to gain insights into what it truly means to be a teacher and the path one needs to take to reach that stage.

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Brief Bio

I was born in Zomba, where I completed both my primary and secondary school education. Interestingly, my parents are also originally from the same district.

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Academic Journey

I pursued my tertiary education at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), where I studied Education, specializing in English and French.

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Professional Background

After graduating from Mzuzu University in 2013, I secured my first teaching job at Trust Academy, where I taught for two terms. In September 2014, I joined Ekwendeni Girls Secondary School, where I have been teaching ever since.

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A Day in the Life of a Secondary School Teacher

How does it feel to stand in front of students every day?

It is a fulfilling experience. Walking into a classroom, knowing that I play a vital role in shaping the future of our country, is truly motivating.

What does your daily routine look like?

Our classes begin at 7:30 AM, but I must report to school 45 minutes earlier for caucuses and general duties. We have a break at 9:30 AM and lunch at 12:00 PM. Classes resume at 1:30 PM and run until 3:30 PM. If I am not assigned any additional duties for the week, I am free to head home, relax, or focus on other personal activities.

Is teaching a rewarding career?

Like any other profession, teaching is rewarding—though the level of reward is subjective. What truly matters is seeing a student grow into a productive citizen because of my efforts.
As a language teacher, nothing makes me prouder than hearing a student speak or write grammatically correct English or French, knowing that I played a role in that achievement.

How does a teacher feel when students underperform in national exams?

It is disheartening when students do not perform well, as it reflects negatively on us as teachers. We take great pride in our students’ success, and poor results can be quite discouraging.

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To Aspiring Secondary School Teachers

What are the challenges of becoming a teacher?

1. Faith & Wisdom: First and foremost, one must be God-fearing because I believe wisdom begins with the fear of God.
2. Hard Work & Focus: Teaching demands commitment, patience, and a strong work ethic. You need to set clear goals and remain focused on what you wish to achieve each day.

Essential Qualities of a Good Teacher

To excel as a teacher, one must be:

• Patient – Students learn at different paces, so patience is key.
• Approachable – Learners should feel comfortable seeking guidance.
• Forward-thinking – Teaching requires creativity and adaptability.
• Presentable – Professionalism is important in education.
• Dedicated – Teaching is more than a job; it is a noble calling.

Beyond the Classroom: Where Else Can Teachers Work?

Teachers, especially those specializing in languages, possess dynamic skills that make them valuable in other industries. They can work competently in:

• Media (Journalism, Editing, Broadcasting)
• Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
• Banking & Corporate Training
• Translation & Interpretation Services

Advice to Malawian Youths

Young people should be proactive and embrace self-help initiatives. Never accommodate laziness as a companion. Most importantly, always strive to be smart, hardworking, and goal-oriented!

Compiled by: Emmanuel Chitambuli Timothy