The Ministry of Education yesterday launched the two-week long Teachers’ Week celebrations with an interfaith spiritual gathering and family fun day.
Held on the campus of the ministry’s headquarters, the gathering was attended by numerous members of cabinet, principal secretaries and government officials, as well as education professionals from various school institutions around the country.
In launching the annual celebration in recognition of all those who dedicate their lives to educating and grooming the younger generations, Minister for Education Justin Valentin urged all who fall under his ministry, including personnel serving at the headquarters as well as school institutions, to believe in their competencies, calling out to all to not depend on the ministry and management, but to instead take control of their respective school organisations.
“We are at a crossroads, whereby we are being asked to refresh the profession, and find solutions. You all entered into the education system with a dream to accomplish something. As minister, I will create the space for you to demonstrate, to progress, and to ensure that your initial dreams flourish, and are accomplished.
“We need to give students the best possible deal, and this will depend on all of us here. We need to strengthen our schools and to achieve this, our teachers need to take heed of the call, seize the opportunities and help to move forward. You have the competencies and you can do it,” Minister Valentin stated, calling on school heads and managers to create the environment in which teachers can realise their dreams.
The gathering was animated by spiritual leaders of various religious denominations, as well as educators from different public schools. The national brass band was also present.
This year’s celebrations will comprise various recreational and academic activities over the course of the two weeks until October 15. Minister Valentin called out to all partners to fully participate in all the events and afford their support to all educators and ministerial staff, in a bid to ensure that the students get the best deal.
A grand family fun day kicked off right after the spiritual service just opposite the ministry’s headquarters, at the Mont Fleuri playing field. Both public and private schools, as well as business organisations joined hands to put on the event.
Featuring a number of stalls offering snacks, food and drinks for sale, there were also games and outdoor activities to keep the children entertained. Reviv band rocked the stage until around 3pm, when teachers from various schools put on a spectacular variety show, with poem recitals, songs, dance performances, and a fashion show.
The activities are to start from as early as 8am this morning with a blood donation at the Victoria Hospital. The day will also see the launch of an e-journal on Praslin island, to showcase and promote the achievements of the school institutions on both inner islands – Praslin and La Digue.
Also scheduled for this afternoon is a talk on mental health, to be held at the STC conference room.
Source: Seychelles Nation