LET’S SALUTE OUR BELOVED TEACHERS

TOMORROW is World Teachers’ Day, also known as International Teachers Day.

The day was established in 1994 and commemorates the signing of the 1966 UNESCO/ILO recommendation, according to Wikipedia.

The recommendation outlines standards relating to recruitment, continuing education of teachers, their employment and working conditions among others.

On page 10 of this edition, writers highlight some of the many difficulties teachers in South Africa face. They include working in an environment of insecurity, fear of violence, high stress levels and poor salaries.

I support the comment: “On this World Teachers’ Day, society must mourn. It is time to mourn for all the attacks on and murders of teachers. Society must reclaim its position and be instrumental in changing the status quo. Teachers must be protected by the communities where they work.”

In many schools, pupils treat teachers with disdain. Respect for educators has become non-existent. It is an absolute tragedy. But despite the contempt and lack of appreciation shown them, teachers return to their classrooms every day. To them teaching is not a job – it is a calling. Educators produce what no other profession can. They produce leaders and experts in all fields. They deserve our support. Above all they deserve our respect.