Profession has lost its lustre, says retiree
A RETIRED schoolteacher says the teaching profession has lost its lustre because of the loss of respect from students.
Kelerayani Vueti, who now lives in Buliya Village, Kadavu, said in the past, teachers were among the most respected members of the community.
Ms Vueti, who began her career at a high school in Toorak, in the late ‘70s says the education system has also changed a lot but needed more improvement.
“I believe that the shift in relationship between teachers and students has, in a way, affected the respect and honour that came with the teaching profession,” the 75-yearold said.
“Another anomaly I have noticed is the way our syllabus is being changed.
“There are errors in a few textbooks which are really amusing because it questions the capacity of those that put these texts together.”
Ms Vueti said textbooks had to be proofread and checked because they formed the foundation of learning for students.
“Teaching is a special calling in that it paves the way for the future citizens of this country and the future of this country depends on what its citizens are taught in schools.”
Ms Vueti said she developed a passion for child education very early on in her life while assisting Sunday school teachers in Buliya.
“Unfortunately, I developed a hearing disability and this affected my ability to teach and communicate with students effectively.
“In 1982 after serving in numerous schools I resigned as a teacher to return home with my husband Anaveleto Vuaisoro who has since passed on.
“I now enjoy my life in the peaceful and serene environment of my island home in Buliya.”