Unveiling the Lived Experiences of Teachers Assigned in Last-Mile Schools: A Phenomenology of Unqualified Compassion and Sacrifice

The purpose of this study was to find out the lived experiences, coping mechanisms, and insights of teachers assigned in last-mile schools in the Municipality of Kiamba. The study utilized a qualitative research design using phenomenological approach with 5 female married teachers chosen through purposive sampling. The results of the interview were transcribed, translated and coded to produce themes. As regards to their teaching experiences in last-mile schools: laborious workload, far and uneasy road, unenviable circumstances, language barriers, and distant from home were the challenges encountered by the teachers. To cope with these identified challenges, they found solution for every problem, that is, making prayer as their best weapon, focusing with a  positive outlook, and employed collaboration. With these, they extended help to IP learners, a blessing in disguise, stopped complaining, made a difference, performed job religiously, and savor time and enjoy as their insights. Teaching in the last-mile schools required immense commitment and passion, and has been a challenge and opportunity to transform a community and transfer effective learning to students.