World Teachers' Day deserves more than a mention on social media and the news.

World Teachers' Day, especially in our country, deserves more than a mention on social media and as a news brief on radio and television. We should trumpet the invaluable role our teachers play.

When the children of the poor masses make their way to their schools, they find teachers who are ready to cultivate their vision of hope. When these same children, who are enveloped in the hideous traumas of poverty and crime, our humble nation-builders are there to build their broken spirits.

Teachers are ordinary folk with their own vulnerabilities and fears, yet they have committed to their calling to transform young people into responsible, caring, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. They are the majestic eagles of our classrooms.

The theme of this year's World Teachers' Day, is appropriately on teacher empowerment and building sustainable communities.  Although we have a long way to go to ensure that we build our teachers' capacity and to restore the dignity of their profession, we can start making a difference right there where we are are - at our workplaces and in our communities.


We need to make teachers feel valued and appreciated in their work places.  We can do this by making small changes in the way we value their voices, the pride we reflect in their restrooms and the culture we establish in our staff rooms.

Then, we need to affirm our teachers when we communicate with our parents and our broader community. We need to celebrate their achievements with the rest of the school community in order to build their morale and their status in the very community they serve.

All of us are beneficiaries of a teacher's love and wisdom.  I also witness firsthand the tireless outpouring of love, care and support that thousands of our poor children receive from our unsung heroes. For this double dosage of blessings, I can only say to all teachers:

"Did you ever know you're our hero?
You everything we wish to be
We could fly higher than an eagle
For you are the wind beneath our wings."  (adapted from songwriter, Larry Henley's ballad)

Thank you for investing in our children and in our communities. We salute you.