Our featured teacher for July is Abdul Gbassy Sesay, who teaches 5th grade at the Newton Village Branch of Empowering Children School. Mr. Sesay volunteers as a teacher, receiving only a small stipend each month. He rides a bicycle a mile each way to the school. Abdul Gbassy Sesay is a true hero and we are so very fortunate to have him teaching the children of Newton Village.

Mr. Sesay spoke with Ibrahim Kamara for this article. Here is the interview:

Q- Where were you born and raised?

A- I was born in Port Loco, in the Northern part of Sierra Leone. I grew up in Kissy, in the western area of Sierra Leone.

Q- What grade do you teach?

A- I teach 5th grade at the Newton Village Branch of Empowering Children School.

Q- What subjects do you teach?

A-  I teach language arts, science, social studies, math, Physical Health Education, Home Economics, Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Aptitude, and Agriculture Science.

Q- What do you most enjoy about teaching?

A- I enjoy passing knowledge to the children. I love seeing them learn. It is what makes me happy. Learning is what is best for them.

Q- What do you like to do in your time off?

A- In my time off I usually do agriculture work. I grow vegetables and rice.

Q- Why did you want to become a teacher?

A- Since childhood, helping my fellow students and learning has been my hobby. 

Q- What advice do you have for new teachers?

A- The advice I have for new teachers, especially for volunteer teachers like us, is that we have to be patient so we can help the children. Some teachers teach only one or two months and then quit because they are not receiving a paycheck. We should put passion for teaching the children over everything.

Q- What drew you to teach at Newton Village?

A- I was inspired by the struggles and resilience of the children. They are willing to learn. You can see it in them, with big dreams!  I’m helping them fulfill it.