STU highlights new demands and challenges in tribute to teachers
KUCHING: Sarawak Teachers Union (STU) is leading the way to pay tribute to teachers in conjunction with Teachers’ Day yesterday.
The theme for this year’s Teachers’ Day is “Berguru Demi Ilmu, Bina Generasi Baharu.”
STU president Adam Prakash Abdullah told thesundaypost that students ‘will always remember and appreciate services provided by the teachers’.
He also pointed out that teachers play a vital role in nation building by teaching and providing knowledge, train life skills and professionals with the correct aptitude and attitude.”
Adam remarked that the tasks facing teachers have become more demanding as creative and innovative teachers are needed to ensure effective teaching and learning in the classroom.
“Teachers are expected to continuously upgrade themselves professionally so as to be able to develop a holistic learner as enshrined in our National Education Policy.”
“Thus, teachers have to continue to develop themselves into knowledgeable teachers who will remain relevant with the global education development,” he added.
When asked on teachers’ hopes for the future, Adam said the government especially the Ministry of Education (MoE) should continue to provide and upgrade the curriculum to meet the current development of the country.
The curriculum should also take into account the current Covid-19 situation, the homebased learning, assessment tools and procedures so that our education system provides meaningful and practical education for our learners, he elaborated.
He also called on the MoE to continue to upgrade the teacher’s working and living environment, provide better social protection services as well as recognise the contributions of teachers nation-wide.
“STU would also appreciate it if the state government could increase the number of the State’s Long Service Medal award recipients as an appreciation to the services to those teachers who have served the state,” he said.
“We also appreciate if the upgrading of school buildings and facilities be put on the priority list so that our children in the rural areas could also enjoy the comfort of learning in a conducive learning environment.”
STU hoped the internet accessibility issue will be resolved soon as children and teachers will not be able to compete and rise to the global standards if they continue to be deprived of these basic education tools.
“STU would like to wish all teachers a very Happy Teachers’ Day and we hope that all the teachers continue their dedicated services under all circumstances,” Adam added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president Ahmad Malie described teachers as architects of human resource development for the country.
He highlighted the greater challenges now facing teachers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This year is the second year the teaching fraternity celebrates Teachers’ Day virtually,” he pointed out in a statement which urged the MoE to set up a panel to look into transformation, curriculum model and alternatives to overcome challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.