A struggling Brazilian teacher received a touching gift from his students.
Substitute teacher Bruno Rafael Paiva was hired to cover for an ill teacher and after a couple of months, he formed a bond with his students.
Due to complications with his contract, Paiva has been fighting to secure three months worth of salary from the government. He has been sleeping inside the school due to his financial situation, according to the New York Post.
"After working for two months and receiving no pay, I was told I needed to stay for three months before receiving my paycheck," said Paiva, according to the Daily Mail. "Everything was so bleak – I felt like I was sinking with no idea of what the future may hold."
His students noticed he was struggling and stepped in to help. In a now-viral video, Paiva walked into class to discover a box on his desk. The box contained 400 Brazilian dollars, about two-thirds of his salary. Paiva got emotional, and his students gathered for a group hug.
He said the students donated about $10 each for the fund. The gesture reignited Paiva's passion for education.
"I felt so protected by the students I love. This day changed my life," he said. "They are the strength in the world that I want to see, and they gave me the belief I needed to continue in my work. I love teaching, it's a part of me – I didn't want to be anything else in life except from that, a teacher."
Paiva also set up a GoFundMe campaign.
How touching. He's clearly made a difference.
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