International World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5 each year to commemorate the “Teaching in Freedom Pact” signed on October 5, 1966, in Paris at a special inter- governmental conference.  The Pact recognises the importance of empowering teachers, an important resource in education systems worldwide.

According to UNESCO, the Pact outlines benchmarks regarding the rights and responsibilities of teachers and standards for their initial preparation and continued education.  It also entails standards for recruitment, employment and teaching and learning conditions.

Given the critical role that teachers play in socialising the world’s children, it is important that they are recognised, valued and accorded respect, particularly in these challenging times as they strive to facilitate teaching and learning under pandemic conditions.

The National Council on Education joins with the rest of the world in saluting all teachers locally, regionally and internationally on this important day.