Last year on the day before World Teachers Day which is celebrated on October 5 annually, I reconnected with my Standard 2 teacher of 55 years before. I was there just to say “Thank You”. Are we thanking them enough, especially when they are still alive or is it the government’s role to thank them on our behalf?
For the United Nations to recognize teachers by celebrating them and the profession is quite commendable. This is a day, as proclaimed by UNESCO, to honour teachers and teacher organizations. Teachers make a vital contribution to the education and development of our future leaders. We are living during the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) where we get instant response to enquiries. Still the teacher has a major role in one’s development socially, mentally, spiritually and physically. They can help expand the knowledge of the workings of the mind, body and soul.
If given a chance. They do not only teach content but also how it relates to the way we should live. Even those mathematicians who ask us to find that elusive x.
We need soul to soul. AI has no soul. The human touch of a teacher is always welcome. Teachers give you time to think. They challenge you and they being there in your life tells you, it is actually possible. I am NOT against AI but I propose that we do not disregard the role of The Master, The Teacher. They will give you insights into the meaning of life.
Once again, if given a chance.
Are we tapping enough into the minds of teachers? Even retired teachers. Remember, once a teacher always a teacher.
We hear of despair in the teaching profession today. Various social factors including violence, hopelessness, lack of concentration and plain lawlessness and lack of interest in education, but still all is not lost. This is where the role of the community should be exploited. The school is supposed to be the centre of community life. The community is the mother of us all. The community is the greatest teacher.
Learn to listen to what the teacher says, in words and silence.
On October 5, this coming Sunday, go to your sacred space and reflect on your formative years. Make time to sit quietly and listen. It is amazing how you will even remember your first day at school and what impressions it had on you. The teacher would have stepped in and assured you, it will be all right. It surely became all right and school was not a bad place at all. Even though you might have used to your mother always being close to you. By the way, children spend more time with teachers than parents during a typical day.
We should be giving special individualized gratitude to our teachers. Now in Mzansi they are called educators, of course. As mentioned earlier I am privileged that my Standard 2 teacher is still alive and I was able to personally say thank you to her. She had written on the comments of my Standard 2 report that I had a bright future ahead. Yes, I still have the report of 56 years ago.
As stated about World Teachers Day, UNESCO honours teachers and teacher organizations. My teacher, is an active member of the Mangaung Retired Teachers Association (MARETA). They are still actively pursuing the passion of education, which is in their life.
This article is in honour to her and her colleagues. Her name is Mrs. Bojosi Morule.
Once a teacher, always a teacher. Happy World Teachers Day!
