Radio season Teachers in Africa

The knowledge that she would be cooking my dinner when we went home meant I sometimes did not take her seriously.

As part of the Teachers in Africa season, members of the BBC African Service tell us about a teacher who had a profound affect on their life.

A picul is a unit of measurement used by the tea industry to weigh green leaf.

This is one of the first things my mother taught me at the nursery school my parents established in Limuru, Kenya twenty five years ago.

Nestling among the lush, emerald green tea tables, they called it Picul Place.

It was odd at times being taught by my mother.

We moved countries, we changed schools, but at different points through my education, I would find myself standing in front of her saying "Mum….er…Mrs. Boswell", as my class watched closely for any sign of favouritism.

I doubt I was her easiest student (the knowledge that she would be cooking my dinner when we went home meant I sometimes did not take her seriously) but I learnt all life's important lessons from her – as a teacher, she explained the factors that led to the First Gulf War in History class when I was ten, and as a mother, she taught me the values of working hard.

Inevitably the lines blurred and the roles merged, but I watch her today in her classroom, and still see the teacher and mother working simultaneously.

My Mum is my favourite teacher because, twenty five years of teaching later, I remain amazed as she so patiently helps hyperactive ten year-olds with their maths' problems.

Did you know? Sub Saharan Africa requires an additional 3 million teachers to meet Universal Primary Education by 2015 TTISSA 2007

She is still firm, but funny, she still gets so excited when a child does well.

And when I meet these ten year-olds at their high school graduations, all they can do is sing her praises.

Do you have fond memories of a teacher from your formative years? Do you have a favourite teacher, one who really inspired you? Why not tell us about them? Simply send us your memories via the form on the right and we'll publish a selection of your contributions.

More favourite teachers

By Alex Jakana

By Alice Lander

By Chakuchanya Harawa