The Emotional Goodbye of Teacher Ishfaq Hussain Kayani After Three Decades of Service
✍️ Feature Report |Mushtaq Tufail, Rotherham, South Yorkshire:
Teaching is not merely a profession—it is a calling, a lifelong commitment to building minds and shaping societies. At Handsworth Grange Community Sports College, in the southeast of Sheffield, one such dedicated educator, Mr. Ishfaq Hussain Kayani, recently marked the end of a remarkable era.
After more than thirty years of service as an English language teacher, Mr. Kayani bid farewell to his beloved school in an atmosphere filled with mixed emotions—joy, pride, and quiet tears.
🌸 From Rawalpindi to the Classrooms of Sheffield
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Ishfaq Hussain Kayani came to the United Kingdom at the tender age of ten. His first job was not in education but with the Sheffield City Council’s transport department—as a bus driver. Yet, deep inside, he carried a dream: to empower others through education.
Balancing a young family, long working hours, and his studies was far from easy. Still, he never gave up. “I have no regrets,” he often said. “The struggles were my stepping stones toward fulfilling my dream.”
📚 A Life Dedicated to Education
Once he entered the teaching profession, Mr. Kayani set himself a clear mission—to open doors for the ethnic minority communities who often struggled to access quality education.
As an immigrant child himself, he understood the challenges of language barriers and cultural adjustment. He worked relentlessly to help his students gain confidence, improve their English skills, and integrate smoothly into school life.
He actively engaged parents, encouraging them to participate in their children’s learning journey. Attendance, punctuality, and involvement in school governance became key areas he worked on.
Through his initiatives, extracurricular activities, cultural events, and sports programs became vital tools in building student confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.
🏏 Cricket, Culture, and Community
Cricket was another passion that defined Mr. Kayani’s journey. He organized city-wide tournaments and coaching sessions, using the sport as a bridge to develop teamwork, communication, and English fluency among students.
His leadership in hosting multicultural festivals created harmony and understanding within the school community. His motto was simple yet powerful:
“Love for all—hatred for none.”
💬 The Mentor and the Voice of the Community
Beyond the classroom, Mr. Kayani was also known as a community activist and media contributor. He frequently appeared on local and national current affairs programs, speaking on education, youth, and cultural integration.
During the 1980s, when diversity in schools was still limited, he became a pioneer in addressing cultural gaps and promoting inclusion. His creative approach made both students and parents feel valued and understood.
❤️ A Farewell to Remember
At his retirement ceremony, emotion filled the hall as Mr. Kayani took to the podium, holding back tears while expressing heartfelt gratitude to his colleagues and friends.
“This school has been my second home,” he said. “During the hardest moments of my life—when I lost my mother or struggled with illness—my colleagues stood by me. I will forever cherish every memory I made here.”
He also shared his plans for the next chapter:
“I look forward to exploring the serene beauty of the UK, perhaps playing a bit of golf if health allows, and spending precious time with my grandchildren.”
The event was attended by Councillor Abdul Qayuum, PMC Chair Irfan Khan, community leaders Muhammad Ali, Zahid Saleem, and many others, all of whom praised his tireless efforts and leadership in education and community engagement.
🌼 A Legacy of Light
Mr. Ishfaq Hussain Kayani is far more than a retired teacher—he is a beacon of inspiration. His three decades of unwavering service to education, cultural understanding, and community cohesion have left an indelible mark on Sheffield’s educational landscape.
His farewell may have been emotional, but his legacy continues to shine brightly—guiding teachers, students, and communities for generations to come.
🌺 Message of Congratulations
Al-Haj Muhammad Ali, a prominent community activist from Sheffield, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Ishfaq Hussain Kayani on reaching a remarkable milestone in his distinguished teaching career.
He expressed deep gratitude for Mr. Kayani’s invaluable contribution to the growth and transformation of countless young lives, acknowledging his lifelong dedication to education and community upliftment.
“Mr. Ishfaq Hussain Kayani will always be remembered as an inspiring figure — a legendary mentor whose guidance, compassion, and commitment have left a lasting legacy in the hearts of many. Thank you for your outstanding service to our community.”
