Every year on the 5th day in October, the world celebrates teachers and I am delighted to join in the celebration of this highly esteemed group of people in our society.
Antigua and Barbuda boasts a cadre of great teachers of whom the Ministry of Education is justly proud. Our great teachers are especially creative. Our great teachers are consistently passionate about the unique responsibilities of the teaching profession.
Our great teachers are dedicated to the development of all learners in their charge. They plan well, they collaborate and they innovate. They do more, much more than they can be paid for, every day, every term, for the entire school year. Today, I salute every dedicated teacher in Antigua and Barbuda. Happy World Teachers’ Day.
This year, the theme for World Teachers’ Day is “Valuing teachers’ voices: towards a new social contract for education”. What an appropriate theme! This theme resonates with us in the Ministry of Education in poignant ways.
We understand how integral teachers are to the effectiveness of our education system. We know, only too well, the power of teachers’ voices. When teachers speak purposefully with words and/or actions they engender change, they orchestrate progress and they elevate our education system.
Teachers’ voices are important; they deserve to be valued. Because we are confident of the value of what teachers articulate, we, in the Ministry of Education, listen and, today, we renew our commitment to consistently add action to our attention.
That is a social contract that we are determined to uphold. Teachers, we will respond eloquently to your voices. In the words of the great William Shakespeare, “Action is eloquence.”
Today, while we are energized by the expressions of appreciation and gratitude for the powerful influence of teachers, I want to challenge each of us to reflect. Reflect, deeply, on how you use your voice and the role you play in the development of this nation.
All of us in the education system, whether we are currently in the classroom or not, have a tremendous responsibility to engage in practices that will advance the development of Antigua and Barbuda and create a richer future for our children.
Let us not squander that responsibility. Let us continue, in spite of the challenges, to take positive action and be the greatest educators we can be.
Once again, Teachers of Antigua and Barbuda, I wish you a happy World Teachers Day. I applaud your efforts and I encourage you to continue to raise your voices to protect your noble profession, and secure the future of Antigua and Barbuda.
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