Each one teach one facts for kids

Each one teach one is a famous African-American saying, or proverb. It means that if you learn something, you should share that knowledge with someone else. Many groups and organizations use this phrase as their motto.

Where Did "Each One Teach One" Start?

This powerful phrase began in the United States during the time of slavery. During this period, many African people were not allowed to get an education. They were often stopped from learning to read or write.

Enslaved people were often kept from knowing much about the world. Their owners and the laws controlled what they could learn. But if an enslaved person managed to learn how to read, it became their important job to teach another person. This is how the saying "Each one teach one" came to be. It was a way to spread knowledge and hope.

How Is "Each One Teach One" Used Today?

The phrase "Each one teach one" is used around the world to encourage learning and sharing knowledge.

In Africa

During apartheid (1948–1991) in South Africa, many political prisoners were held on Robben Island. A lot of these prisoners could not read or write. Their mail was carefully checked, and they had very few books. The inmates used "each one, teach one" as a strong call to action. They wanted to make sure everyone in their movement became educated.

The phrase is also a popular slogan in Nigeria. It is used in campaigns that help people learn to read and write.

In Asia

In the early 1900s, a Christian missionary named Dr. Frank Laubach used this idea. He worked to help people in the Philippines who were poor and could not read. Many people say Dr. Laubach created the saying. However, others believe he simply used this existing phrase to help end illiteracy around the world.

In North America

The Delancey Street Foundation in San Francisco also uses "each one, teach one." This group helps people change their lives. Each person who gets help from the organization becomes a mentor to new people. They teach them school subjects and job skills, like building with masonry or preparing food for catering.

In Books and Movies

The phrase "Each one teach one" has appeared in stories too. In the 1996 novel Push by Sapphire, and the 2009 movie Precious based on it, the phrase is the name of a special school. The main character goes to this alternative school after leaving her regular public school.

The phrase was also the title of a book by Ronald Casanova. His book, Each One Teach One: Up and Out of Poverty, Memoirs of a Street Activist, tells his life story. He grew up in New York City and later worked to help people without homes.