We appreciate you!
IOFTEN wondered, as a child, if I could ever become half the woman I saw my favourite teacher as being. We knew her as the stern educator who taught us how to make sense of the world around us, but she was more than that. She was our school ‘mommy’ who we would run to if we were hurt, to whom we would detail all of our little inquisitions – and boy, were they many! – and whose smile made every ‘simple mistake’ better.
I grew up, therefore, in classrooms that made me know and honour strong men and women – teachers. I was exposed to what it meant to be fearless and firm, kind and giving, and most of all, humble and deserving. I have had teachers who have groomed my hair on a sudden Picture Day and teachers who, I’ll admit, scolded me for being incorrect.
We celebrate these brave educators; some overworked, overwhelmed and underpaid but toiling still. The truth is, there can never be enough funds to significantly reimburse you for the role you play in maintaining a future of this great nation and a future that we can count on.
Tomorrow’s Jamaica rests with you all, today, and that is no slight or insignificant fact.
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN
In this fragile time when so many of our children are going missing and are being hurt by the adults they ought to look to for guidance, we must value those who positively and significantly impact our children. Continue doing the little things like making checks with parents when a child has been late from school or absent for some time. Keep making those calls when something seems off – your concern matters. Continue showing our children the difference between right and wrong and what’s okay and what’s not okay. Sometimes when their little hearts are troubled, they will shun parents and other relatives at home but will open up to you, teachers – continue to listen.
Today, Teachers’ Day, is one to highlight your role and purpose in this society as well as honour you for all that you are and continue to be. On behalf of the entire RJRGLEANER Communications Group, Happy Teachers’ Day! An entire nation salutes you – we love and appreciate you!