Every year on 5 October, the world comes together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day – a moment to recognise and honour the teachers who shape lives and transform education across the globe.
Teachers do far more than deliver lessons. They ignite curiosity, nurture confidence, and open doors to knowledge and opportunities that many children might otherwise never encounter. For countless young people, a teacher is not only an educator but also a mentor, a role model, and sometimes even a lifeline of support.
Their influence often extends well beyond the classroom, inspiring students to chase their ambitions, overcome challenges, and believe in their potential. In celebrating teachers, we celebrate the profound and lasting impact they have on individuals, communities, and societies.
The Faces Behind Atlas' Impact
At The Atlas Foundation we are fortunate to partner with extraordinary teachers and coaches who embody this spirit every day. Their tireless dedication, creativity, and care help transform the lives of children worldwide. Here are just a handful of the remarkable people making a difference in our projects.
TackleLondon
I’ll set the scene at the start of a coaching session with a class of children, many of whom have never touched a rugby ball before. You can just see that some are natural athletes, have played other sports and are confident and bouncing, but a few look nervous and unsure of what is to come. As a coach and mentor you organise your group and as you work through the drills and games, building the basic skills you really focus in on those that look nervous. You may slightly change a technique with a quiet one-to-one intervention, and you praise and high five, a pass, a catch, a movement into space, and watch a smile emerge and the confidence build. It’s the most wonderful feeling as a coach and all it takes is observation and clear instruction and the most basic level of praise accompanied with a smile. My smile usually bigger than theirs.
South Africa
Tadi Kwendambairi, a young coach who was a pupil at Ocean View High School, writes about Mr Bowers.
Mr Denver Bowers, Department Head Grade 9, Head of Rugby and Head of Safety at Ocean View High School in Cape Town, is so much more than just a capable man — he is a mentor, a guide, and a protector to every learner and coach fortunate enough to know him. He has an incredible ability to see the best in people, even when they cannot see it in themselves, and he nurtures that potential with patience, wisdom, and genuine care. As one of his former learners who later became a coach, I can honestly say I would not be the person I am today without him. He believed in me when I doubted myself, guided me when I was unsure of my path, and always looked out for me beyond the classroom and the field. Because of him, I discovered the confidence to grow — not just as a coach, but as a person. His lessons and encouragement still guide me every day, shaping who I am and who I strive to be.
SKRUM, Eswatini
Mrs. Simelane is the head teacher at Egugwini Primary. Her dedication and devotion to her students, their health, welfare, and education is exemplary.
Through Mrs. Simelane’s efforts, Egugwini Primary grows its own vegetables, has a chicken and goat breeding project. These projects and the vegetables are used to feed the students whilst at school. Her mentorship of each and every one of her students is that of a mother figure.
Virreyes Rugby Club
I’m a teacher and tutor at Virreyes Rugby, and I’ve been working there for almost ten years. Working at Virreyes changed my perspective on the world. I found my place. Everyone became an indispensable part of my life. I’m not just a teacher; my role goes far beyond a simple math exercise. I’ve formed unbreakable bonds with each of the players. The ties are more maternal than educational. From racing against the clock with the current captain of the first team to the pride of a young person with limited economic resources but a huge desire to improve. At Virreyes, we work for them. Life rewarded me when it put Virreyes Rugby Club in my path.
