09 Jun 2013

Teachers have been urged to demonstrate professional commitment despite the challenges they were faced with.

Speaking at the Teachers Day celebration at Tutume McConnell Senior Secondary School on Hune 7, retired principal of Serowe College of Education, and Mr Caiphus Dema said teachers should come up with strategies to revive the teaching profession.

Mr Dema said the teaching profession was losing status in many parts of the world and Botswana was not an exception.

He further said there was  need for rehabilitation of the teaching profession so as to take it back to its former status where it was the most respected and rewarding profession..

The retired principal said those who choose to become teachers should take it as their first choice and not as a last resort. 

He appealed to teachers to provide effective learning and networking.

Mr Dema said he has a strong believe that in developmental education theory, “there is a glimpse of hope and indications that policy makers are showing the political will to do real change that will not take place in the absence of highly qualified and respected teacher.”

He said teachers should appreciate efforts that were being done to be recognized, adding that teachers need to receive supportive environments, adequate quality training as well as a safeguard for their rights and responsibilities.

“Teachers are among the many factors that keep children in school and influence learning. They help children think critically and process information from many sources, work cooperatively, tackle problems and make informed choices,” he said.

Furthermore, he said any change whether it is institutional, political, or educational cannot move any step further without a teacher.

Kgosi Tapson Madikwe of Tutume said teachers contribution towards the education and development of the country`s coming generation is simply invaluable.

He said “Teachers Day” was dedicated to those teachers who despite unfavourable conditions serve learners with so much enthusiasm and excellence.

Kgosi Madikwe said those were teachers who go beyond the call of duty in ensuring that the country, the community of Tutume and its vicinity thrive in the area of education.

He said the day was celebrated to show and acknowledge as well as recognize the hard work put in by teachers towards the country’s development, and also gives teachers an opportunity to take introspection. ENDS