Introducing the Teach Forward Initiative: How CMH Is Supporting South African Teachers in 2025
At CMH, we believe that education is the foundation of a strong community.
When teachers are supported, communities thrive. But right now, too many South African educators are underpaid, unemployed, or simply unsupported — and their skills are being lost.
That’s why we’re doing something about it.
Today, we’re proud to introduce the first step in a new journey: the Teach Forward Initiative — our commitment to empower teachers through community-powered tools, income opportunities, and AI-driven mentorship.
Whether you’re an active educator, a freelancer with teaching skills, or someone passionate about helping others learn — this initiative is for you.
Let’s teach forward. Let’s rise together.
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Teach Forward Initiative
📚 Why CMH Is Getting Involved
Why CMH Is Getting Involved
Why? Because education doesn’t just build individuals — it builds futures. A teacher’s influence ripples through families, neighborhoods, and generations.
CMH has always stood for empowering everyday people — vendors, freelancers, and side-hustlers who bring value to their communities. Teachers belong in that circle too.
But here’s the reality:
Many brilliant, trained teachers in South Africa are unemployed.
Others are doing their best in classrooms but can’t survive on their income.
Too few have access to the digital tools, networks, and opportunities that could help them thrive.
We don’t believe in waiting for policy to catch up. We believe in community-powered action. The Teach Forward Initiative is our promise to back teachers with real tools, flexible income paths, and support that actually matters.
Because when teachers rise, communities rise with them.
🎓 Introducing the Teach Forward Initiative (TFI)
Teach Forward Initiative (TFI)
TFI is a brand-new project by CMH created with one clear mission: to help teachers feel seen, supported, and successful again. This initiative is about more than just making ends meet. It’s about restoring dignity, unlocking new ways to earn, and building a supportive community of educators who grow together.
Here’s what TFI will offer:
- Opportunities to earn by offering tutoring, creating courses, or running online workshops
- A platform to share and sell educational resources — from worksheets to full lesson packs
- A growing network of local educators and mentors
- Access to digital tools and guidance to help you thrive
Whether you’re a full-time teacher, a qualified educator out of work, or someone with a passion for learning — TFI is for you.
🤖 Meet Tess – Our First Teaching Assistant
Meet Tess
To launch the Teach Forward Initiative, we’re introducing Tess — our first-ever AI-powered support personality built just for educators.
Tess stands for: Teacher Empowerment & Support Specialist
She’s not here to replace teachers — she’s here to back them up.
Tess can:
- Encourage educators facing burnout or overwhelm
- Suggest ways to list tutoring, workshops, or services online
- Provide practical tips to stay motivated and earn sustainably
- Answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and offer support — 24/7
And yes — you can talk to her for free. No subscriptions. No catch. Just real help, powered by community and tech.
🔜 Coming Soon: Eli and Iris
Eli and Iris
Tess is just the beginning. Soon, she’ll be joined by two more AI support personalities — each designed to help teachers in practical, powerful ways.
Meet the rest of the upcoming TFI Crew:
Eli – the Educational Learning Innovator
Eli will help you explore fun, creative teaching strategies. From project-based learning to gamified lessons, Eli’s here to spark inspiration and support engaging classrooms.
Iris – the Instructional Resource and Insight Specialist
Iris will help you build better lesson plans, design digital materials, and craft content that connects. She’s your go-to for structure, quality, and curriculum support.
Together with Tess, Eli and Iris form a full-circle virtual support team — created by CMH, powered by AI, and built for South African educators.
💬 How You Can Help
How You Can Help
We don’t have all the answers — but we’re building this with real teachers, and that includes you.
Are you a teacher looking for support?
Do you know an educator who’s passionate but struggling to stay afloat?
Do you have ideas for how CMH can better support schools in your area?
We want to hear from you.
Drop us a message, share your thoughts, or forward this to someone who needs to see it. You could help shape the next phase of Teach Forward.
🙌 Let’s Build the Future, Together
Education is how we change lives — one student, one teacher, one conversation at a time.
At CMH, we’re ready to stand with educators in a new way. With your voice, your ideas, and your energy, we believe this movement can go far.
Let’s teach forward.
Let’s rise together.
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