(EMU) – St. Kitts, October 5, 2016 The National Commission for UNESCO saluted teachers in St Kitts and Nevis today (October 05) by making a clarion call for individuals and organizations to get involved in celebrating Teacher’s Day 2016.
The day, being celebrated this year under the theme “Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status” is intended to emphasize the need to support teachers as reflected in the Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to correspondence from the National Commission’s Secretary General, Mr. Antonio Maynard, “this specific education goal, SDG4 is geared towards the promotion of inclusive and equitable quality education with a view to encouraging lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
He further revealed, “The new agenda, the “Education 2030 Framework for Action,” UNESCO therefore seeks to emphasize that teachers and educators are fundamental for equitable and quality education and in this regard, must be “Adequately trained, recruited and remunerated, motivated and supported within well-resources, efficient and effectively governed systems.”
In keeping with UNESCO’s thrust for the empowerment and advancement of teachers, the Ministry of Education in St. Kitts and Nevis also has several new initiatives being implemented which are expected to help advance teachers. The first of a one-year programme providing In Service Training for new teachers started on Tuesday at the Irish Town Primary School. Also being planned is the organization of a career path for teachers and special training in the use of technology among other specialized training programmes.
Permanent Secretary Mr. William Hodge told the Education Media Unit, “On behalf of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis and Minister of Education Hon. Shawn Richards; as well as the Ministry of Education, we salute all teachers at all levels: pre-school, primary secondary, tertiary. We salute teachers who roll up their sleeves every day to educate the nation’s children. We salute those teachers who are new to the profession, especially young teachers just beginning their career. We salute as well the teachers and other educators who recently retired from active service. We also salute those who have retired for many years and are enjoying their retirement. We value the contribution that all teachers make to the process of national building.”
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