13/10/2026
A TRIBUTE TO MR FRED CHIBWE: A DEDICATED MATHEMATICS TEACHER AND EDUCATOR
It is not typical of me to write about people or put my thoughts into long paragraphs, but today, I feel compelled to make an exception.
Today, I would like to appreciate and celebrate Mr Fred Chibwe of Kamwala High School, one of the dedicated Mathematics teachers whose contribution to education in Zambia deserves to be recognised and celebrated.
09 October marked his birthday, and I have also heard that he is retiring after 20 years of teaching Mathematics. If that is indeed the case, then this is a fitting moment to reflect on his dedication, commitment, and the impact he has made on the lives of the students he has taught over the years.
Interestingly, I was privileged to be part of his birthday celebration in a unique way: I had the honour of making a PVC portrait for him on his birthday. As someone who once sat in his Mathematics classroom, having the opportunity to contribute something special to the celebration of a teacher who played such an important role in my academic journey was truly meaningful. It was more than just creating a portrait; it was an opportunity to appreciate a man whose dedication and hard work left a lasting impression on me. Sometimes, life gives us beautiful opportunities to celebrate the very people who once invested their time and knowledge in us.
Mr Chibwe was my Mathematics teacher from 2010 to 2012, when I was in Class 12L, the Pure class. Our classroom was next to his office because he was the Head of Department (HOD) for Mathematics.
One thing I will always remember about him is his dedication to his work. He was always at school early, and there were times when he would continue teaching us for up to 30 minutes beyond the official knocking-off time. To him, ensuring that we understood Mathematics was more important than simply sticking to the timetable.
He also had a unique way of keeping us on our toes academically. He made us write tests based on past examination papers and would display the results on the main noticeboard first thing on Monday morning. This created a sense of accountability and encouraged us to work harder. I still remember some of my classmates who would only turn up for lessons after break time on days when Mathematics was scheduled immediately after the break! Those memories still make me smile.
Beyond his commitment to teaching, Mr Chibwe also knew how to make the classroom lively. He would sometimes crack jokes about classmates who misbehaved, leaving the whole class laughing. He managed to balance discipline, hard work, and humour in a way that made his lessons memorable.
Personally, I am grateful for his dedication because I managed to obtain a Grade 3 in Mathematics, and I believe his commitment to teaching played a significant role in that achievement. Behind every student's success is often a teacher who refuses to give up on them, and for me, Mr Chibwe was one of those teachers.
My memories of him go beyond the classroom. Back then, I used to live in Chawama, and I would sometimes see him walking to or from school, either early in the morning or late in the evening. He also lived around the Chawama Chimwemwe area. Seeing him make those journeys reminded me of the commitment and sacrifice that teaching often demands.
Today, I look back with gratitude and admiration. Although I left Kamwala High School years ago, I have not forgotten the effort he put into teaching us, nor can I overlook the impact he has had on my life. Having the privilege of making a PVC portrait for him on his birthday made the occasion even more special because it allowed me to celebrate him not only as my former teacher but also as someone whose work deserves appreciation.
As he celebrates his birthday on 09 October and, perhaps, prepares to close a significant chapter of his teaching career, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you, Mr Fred Chibwe. Thank you for your patience, your discipline, your humour, your early mornings, your extra lessons, and your unwavering commitment to helping us succeed.
The work of a teacher does not end when students leave the classroom. It lives on in the knowledge they carry, the opportunities they pursue, and the lives they go on to build.
Happy birthday, Mr Fred Chibwe, and congratulations on what I hope will be a well-deserved retirement. Your years of service have undoubtedly left a lasting mark on many students, myself included. May the next chapter of your life bring you good health, happiness, peace, and the satisfaction of knowing that your work has made a difference.
Some teachers teach subjects, but the truly dedicated ones leave a lasting impression on the lives of their students. Mr Fred Chibwe, you are one of them.
