Today, in Antigua and Barbuda, numerous teachers are rejoicing in their chosen profession.

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, hundreds of teachers have gathered at Teachers Place for a function that will conclude with a grand rally.

In an address to mark the occasion, Clare Browne, the Director of Education, highlighted that teachers have always played an essential role in Antiguan and Barbudan society, much like they have in societies worldwide.

“You have not always received the affirmation you rightly deserve. World Teachers Day is an opportunity for us in the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries to express our sincere gratitude for your selfless service and encourage you to remain a teacher, doing the best you can in this noble profession. You are making a worthwhile investment in the development of the youth and the nation as a whole. Your nation needs you”, he said

This year’s World Teachers Day is being recognized under the theme, “The teachers we need for the education we want: The global imperative to reverse the teacher shortage”.

Browne said schools in Antigua and Barbuda are populated with Generation Z and Generation Alpha members, so, as educators, we must consider the nature of the education necessary for their well-being. Gen Zs and Alphas need an education responsive to their increasingly complex needs.

Furthermore, he said it is the kind of education that prepares them to survive in a continually shrinking world as the effects of climate change result in large masses of uninhabitable territory while, at the same time, communication technology is making physical boundaries irrelevant.

“It is the kind of education characterized by keen intercultural sensitivity and adaptability to rapidly changing economic and political states. Today’s students need an education that will prepare them to exploit and advance current innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, quantum computing, and the internet of things. Given their complex education needs, we must also take into account the kind of teachers that they require,” he added

The victorious young chef will also earn the privilege of joining the Antigua & Barbuda Chef Team for the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition in 2024. In addition, the Home Economics teacher from the winning school will accompany their student to Miami for the competition.

The second-place school will receive $5,000 to enhance their kitchen facilities, while the third- and fourth-place schools will each receive $2,500 to improve their culinary programs and kitchen infrastructure.

The participating schools are : Glanvilles Secondary School, Sir McChesney George Secondary School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, St.Mary’s Secondary School, All Saints Secondary School, Antigua Grammar School, Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Pares Secondary School, Princess Margaret School, Antigua Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, Antigua State College, Clare Hall Secondary School, Jennings Secondary School, Ottos Comprehensive School, Antigua Girls’ High School, Christ the King High School, Irene B Williams Secondary School and St. Joseph’s Academy.