Teachers, the nation salutes you

AS 2020, an ignominious, virusladen, grim year draws to a close, it leaves in its wake a trail of destruction and human carnage unprecedented in the annals of recorded human history.

In every avenue of human endeavour, brave front-line first responders fearlessly confronted the invisible biological intruder, among them our dedicated teachers. Our teachers are probably some of the most undervalued people in society and are often criticised for being ineffective, or chastised for no valid reason.

During this time of challenge, we stand in reverence of our teachers’ fearless and selfless efforts in this unprecedented pandemic.

From embracing remote learning opportunities to providing emergency childcare, our teachers have stepped up to the plate.

Our teachers have demonstrated repeatedly amid this virulent pandemic their commitment to their children in their classroom.

It was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who said: “A good teacher is like a candle, it consumes itself to light the way for others.”

Our teachers play a very important role. They have been our role models, our inspiration and parent figures outside of our home who taught us many lessons about life.

It was William Butler Yeats who offered these profound words: “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”

It is clearly time to sing the praises of the unsung heroes, our teachers. A grateful nation salutes you all.

You will remain eternal symbols of individual excellence.

FAROUK ARAIE | Johannesburg