You may not either be a teacher or may not remember your teachers’ role in your life, but teachers are the ones who make the human capital for the nation.
Teachers devote their lives to teach the lessons of life to children, understand knowledge and grow into mature responsible citizens of a nation. They educate students of various ages, from young children to adults, in a wide range of subjects to make a difference in the life of many.
They act as a guardian, counsellors and mentors to give way to the passion of students and groom them to achieve their respective career.
Teaching is a noble profession; although it may not be financially attractive it gives a sense of satisfaction and impact society as a whole. A day is dedicated to honour, appreciate, support, recognise and celebrate the nation’s educators through World Teachers’ Day.
History of WTD
Thus, every year on October 5, World Teachers’ Day [WTD] is celebrated to honour all teachers throughout the world. It marks the 50th anniversary of adopting the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation related to the Status of teachers that emphasis the teachers’ rights and responsibilities.
As per UNESCO,
“This recommendation sets forth the rights and responsibilities of teachers as well as international standards for their initial preparation and further education, recruitment, employment, teaching and learning conditions.”
Since 1994, the WTD has been observed, as UNESCO had made inaugural of this day. WTD is co-hosted by UNICEF, International Labour Organisation and Education International. 2021 WTD remember the teacher contribution to recover the education system during and after the COVID-19 phase.
Global events are organised to highlight the impact of a pandemic on the teaching profession and the promising response of the teachers to bring the education back to normal.
Celebrating WTD
WTD should not be taken lightly, as the teachers make the future of the upcoming generations, appreciation of teachers effort only on a day seems a bit injustice to their contributions, as it should be celebrated throughout the year.
The celebration of 2021 World Teachers day is done at Fiji National University, led by the intellectual dean of the College of Humanities and Education, Professor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba.
Similar events are celebrated across the world to understand the context of teachers contribution in the education sector and society at large.
Appreciation of the teachers and their incredible role in the profession is the motto behind celebrating WTD.
The objective is to appreciate, assess and improve the conditions of educators around the globe. Thus addressing the issues of teachers and teaching through observing WTD. Different ceremonies and awards are bestowed to the teachers all around the globe to the outperformed teachers.
They make a difference in society by their contribution beginning from classroom to community service. The goal of this day is to enhance educational quality by increasing awareness of the importance of teaching and contemporary problems impacting the teachers.
WTD is commemorated with a new topic every year, as determined by UNESCO. WTD’s 2020 theme was “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future’ whereas 2021 is ‘Teachers at the Heart of Education Recovery’. Their contribution towards the students and society has become the pillar of development and growth.
COVID-19 has been a challenge for teachers and students, as there has been unprecedented closure of schools, where teachers contributed to the transition of teaching pedagogy from face-to-face towards virtual teaching.
Teachers role has been outstanding in continue the journey of teaching and go beyond their official duties to support their children. Despite have huge workload stress and reducing their family time.
Conclusion
After reading this op-ed, you may recall your favourite teacher that has moulded your future and encourage you to achieve your goals. An appreciation towards them in the best possible manner shall help to achieve the motto behind celebrating WTD.
Your word of appreciation shall make a difference. You may not be in touch with them, but a simple call to say ‘Thank you with a smile will bring an emotional touch and a smile on their face to give you a blessing that they had been given you since you were a student in their class.
Disclaimer: Dr Sakul Kundra is a Head of Department, Social Science and Assistant Professor at College of Humanities and Education, Fiji National University. PhD History from JNU, and Gold Medalist in PGD in Education, USP. The views expressed are his own and not of this newspaper or his employer. For comments or suggestions, email. dr.sakulkundra@gmail.com