Irrespective of the amount budgeted for education, or how motivated learners are – without teachers the education system cannot function.
World Teachers’ Day is an international opportunity to thank teachers for their important role.
The United Nations celebrates this day annually on October 5, but this date is during the South African school holiday.
The Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools (Fedsas) and the ATKV, therefore, celebrate World Teachers’ Day on the first Friday of the new school term, which this year is on October 16.
The international theme is ”Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies”.
“This theme acknowledges the important role of educators – not only in the lives of individual learners, but also in society as a whole,” said Dr Jaco Deacon, deputy CEO of Fedsas.
“Do something special on October 16, this year. Contact your old school or a teacher who made a difference in your life.
“Write a letter or a poem, treat them to a tea party or simply send flowers – any show of appreciation to acknowledge the work that teachers do.”
The Fedsas Facebook page is also available for people to post stories and photos of the difference that teachers made in their lives.
Former and current learners can visit www.myoldschool.co.za to make a difference.
This year, Fedsas will also take part in Independent Media’s My Teacher, My Compass campaign.
As part of the campaign, learners may nominate a teacher by visiting www.iol.co.za and writing a 200-word piece on why this teacher is a compass in their lives.
The best three nominations will be published in a supplement in a number of Independent newspapers on October 8.
“Fedsas encourages everyone to make use of any of these opportunities to tell teachers about the difference that they make.
Positive feedback of this nature adds value to the profession, which holds long-term benefits for everyone,” said Deacon.
