In the last seven years of coaching disadvantaged young people, I have become a little critical of our education system (not the teachers, although there are good, bad and indifferent ones, the same as in any profession) but it seems there is something wrong with the system itself.
But every now and then I meet a member of the teaching or caring profession who re-enforces my belief that despite the faults in the schools and the crazy bureaucracy, we can make a difference to these kids.
Working with these young people, like being a good copper, requires a special commitment and last Friday I was lucky enough to witness one such example. I was coaching a group of young lads about ten years old, all total beginners, and was accompanied by a teaching assistant.
All of the boys were very wary about maggots and terrified of fish but their teacher was even more afraid of both. With four students all catching fish at the same time I was rushed off my feet unhooking fish, rebaiting hooks and untying tangles. She quickly overcame her squeamishness over the maggots and was soon hooking them for her pupils whilst struggling bravely with her absolute terror of touching fish.
Everyone caught lots of fish, some caught as many as twenty and the joy and excitement was evident.
Despite being very busy I was able to watch Miss R___ struggling with her fear of fish and with a little encouragement she not only caught a fish herself but was able to hold it for the photograph. She did not make this massive effort for herself but to provide a good example for her pupils. I am not exaggerating, she showed great courage to overcome her tremendous fear and I am sure that her pupils will benefit from such an example. This is what makes some teachers special.
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