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MEC praises “priceless” contribution of teachers

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Education MEC Zolile Monakali has praised teachers in the Northern Cape for their tremendous contributions

Picture: ANA

THE INVALUABLE contribution that teachers make in society was recognised and celebrated during World Teacher’s Day on Monday.

Northern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Geoffrey van der Merwe said MEC Zolile Monakali praised teachers in the Province for their tremendous contributions to the education sector.

“The tremendous effort teachers put into the training of the country’s future manpower is invaluable and must, therefore, be recognised as such. Teachers are the most important components of the education system,” said Van der Merwe.

“Academic developments of teachers are crucial and necessary for the success of the education system, because teachers are the prime movers and catalysts of all-round development of learners.

“Teachers are at the heart of the education system. Teachers take it upon themselves to guide, creating the time and space for learners to better understand themselves, their strengths and weaknesses and even interests and passions. They know that it is more important for a child to grow into a confident, empathetic and resilient individual, which are all the attributes that make a complete person.”

Van der Merwe added that Monakali also paid tribute to those teachers who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“MEC Monakali conveys his most heartfelt condolences to the families of 10 teachers who succumbed to the Covid-19 pandemic in the Northern Cape over the recent months. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families directly and indirectly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The MEC would also like to remind educators to remain vigilant, follow all precautionary measures and continue to practise good hygiene to curb the spread of Covid-19 in schools,” he said.

Van der Merwe said the contribution teachers make to society is “priceless”.

“Teaching is an act of faith, as we believe much of whom we are today and what we’ve achieved is because of our teachers. All of us can recall a great teacher who changed our lives. Teachers are our nation builders, the strength of every profession in our country depends on the knowledge and skills that teachers help to instil in our learners.

“We salute our teachers for their display of patriotism, dedication and passion, sometimes under very difficult conditions in the classroom. We thank and appreciate the role of teachers who devote their lives to inspire our children.

“We would also like to extend a sincere word of appreciation to the role of all teachers unions’ continuous support to our teachers. Our teachers unions are our important and valued stakeholders and we want to thank you for your dedication to the noble cause of educating our nation.”

Van der Merwe added that a virtual webinar will be held on Thursday as part of the commemoration of Teacher’s Month

“As part of our activities for Teacher’s Month, the provincial Department of Education, in collaboration with the Sol Plaatje University, will be hosting a virtual webinar on October 8, 2020 at 1.30pm to appreciate teachers and commemorate the teaching profession.

“The guest speaker, Professor Aileen Kennedy from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow in Scotland, will share her work in the teacher education and professional development in the global north,” he said.

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