The United Nations and its member states, including South Africa, observe 5 October as a special day as it is World Teachers’ Day.
Established youth care organisation, Girls and Boys Town, wishes to salute over 400 000 individuals who work as teachers and who contribute to teaching, supporting and giving a future to more than 12 million South African pupils.
The CEO of Girls and Boys Town, Lee Loynes said, “In the words of Nelson Mandela, education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Working with children is a calling rather than a job. It demands not just technical subject knowledge but a great deal of emotional intelligence, patience and empathy, and teachers deserve to be recognised for being willing to share this with the younger generations.”
Loynes acknowledged that there are challenges that impact the access to and quality within the South African education system, such as a lack of teaching and human resources. “Yet, every day we witness teachers solving institutional obstacles to ensure that their pupils get a quality education. We are a proud partner with schools, principals and teachers across the country in jointly addressing difficulties through training and skills-building.”
She stressed that a solid education is the foundation that builds character and instils invaluable knowledge. “This great responsibility is given to teachers who nourish and shape the lives of young individuals who are the future of the nation.
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“We appeal to the teaching fraternity to continue being the custodians of our education system and for all South Africans to afford educators the support and respect they all deserve.”
