Your role is valued

EDUCATION IS the foundation of all human advancement and our teachers are architects, builders and leaders in this vital process. It is against this background that I am delighted to join the rest of the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day. This year’s theme: ‘Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status’ summons the global society to recognise the vital role teachers play in individual and collective progress in all civilisations. It also offers the important reminder that enhancing the capacity and conditions of teachers is important for continued individual, national and global development. We celebrate World Teachers’ Day amid the continuing evolution and transformation of teaching as an increasingly multifaceted profession. The observance this year also comes on the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO/International Labour Organisation recommendations which articulated teaching and

learning conditions, set out the rights and responsibilities of teachers, and established international standards for their preparation, further education, recruitment and employment.

I use the opportunity of World Teachers’ Day 2016 to salute the dedicated, hardworking and vital cadre of teachers at all levels of the education system in Jamaica. I commend our teacher-training institutions and recognise the Jamaican teachers who are contributing to improving educational outcomes in societies all over the world. Happy World Teachers’ Day. PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER Leader of the Opposition