Teen Teacher Changes Lives

Baber Ali is a 16-year-old boy. He's one of the lucky ones in his village in West Bengal because he can afford the uniform, books and rickshaw ride he needs to go to school. He's a model student and takes careful notes.

But Ali's commitment extends beyond a simple desire to learn. For seven years, he's come home to his village every day after school to pass on his daily lessons to those less fortunate -- those who can't attend classes themselves because they have to work to help support their families, either as domestic servants or working in the fields.

As told to the BBC, it began as a sort of game: the children were hungry for an education and young Ali enjoyed "playing" teacher. He would take them to the yard of his own home and out in the open air, he would begin "teaching" his classes. His informal school now has 800 students supported by ten teachers all of whom are either at school or college and volunteer their time just like Ali. All books and materials are provided through donations.

"In the beginning I was just play-acting, teaching my friends," Ali tells the BBC. "But then I realized these children will never learn to read and write if they don't have proper lessons. It's my duty to educate them, to help our country build a better future."

The monsoon rains are all that stand in his way. Some days, school is cancelled because of heavy rains and the lack of shelter. But on dry days, the children arrive as Ali's regular school day comes to an end. Together, they study into the evening.

Thanks to Ali, the students now have a fighting chance for a better future.

Photo courtesy Prathan Books via Flickr.