Why World Teachers’ Day honours those in education

World Teachers’ Day is just around the corner, and since our year-end function on 1 October is geared towards celebrating elements around this auspicious occasion, we thought it would be worthwhile to outline exactly why this day is so important to people in education around the world.

World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated in over 100 countries worldwide every year on 5 October since 1994, aimed at honouring teachers who strive to provide quality education and help learners become active participants in a global society – much like the aims of TEACH South Africa.

According to the official World Teachers’ Day website, the event is also an opportunity for the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco), founders of the initiative, to promote international standards for the teaching profession. The theme for this year is “Teachers for Gender Equality”.

“Despite the teaching profession being made up largely of women, inequality remains an issue,” reads the website.“Even if measures to ensure equality are enshrined into the policies and constitutions of many states [or countries], for millions of female teachers, the goals remain unfulfilled. The teaching profession, both men and women, must unite and urge governments to implement their commitments. Let’s move from words to action: World Teachers’ Day is your day!”

Speaking about World Teachers’ Day in 2010, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga commended the initiative and its outcomes.

“A day like this inspires us to focus attention on issues in education that are of national importance and to provide a platform to share experiences and best practices. Nationally, we all agree that the quality of education relies on the availability of quality teachers.”

Our seminar on 1 October will explore the state of education in South Africa. The event starts at 10am at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. More details will follow.