Teachers carry a major national responsibility with honour and dignity, and it is important to value the sacrifices they make in building a skilled generation, Minister of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development Dr Ismail Shafeeu said.
In his message marking this year's Teachers' Day, Minister Dr Ismail Shafeeu highlighted the importance of parents and the wider community playing an active role in advancing the teaching profession.
Minister Dr Shafeeu said Teachers' Day should renew everyone's commitment to protecting the teaching profession, upholding its dignity and standing firmly with teachers. Building on that commitment, he called for renewed determination and greater collective efforts to further strengthen the education and upbringing provided in schools.
Marking World Teachers' Day, Minister Dr Shafeeu stressed the importance of valuing the significant sacrifices teachers make to build a knowledgeable, skilled and hardworking generation. He said the Government of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is undertaking several initiatives to increase the respect and recognition accorded to teachers in society and advance the teaching profession.
As part of these efforts, the Government has provided teachers with the modern and professional training they need and undertaken several initiatives to make school environments safe and positive for the mental well-being of teachers and students. Minister Dr Shafeeu assured that the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Skills Development would remain committed to taking these efforts further.
Highlighting the responsibility teachers carry, Minister Dr Shafeeu said they fulfil a major national duty with honour and dignity while shouldering the demanding responsibility of serving as students' second guardians. He called for teachers to hold a special place of honour and respect in the hearts of students and parents.
Minister Dr Shafeeu described teaching as a noble and distinguished profession and urged parents to extend greater support than they currently provide to teachers, ensuring that the profession receives the honour and respect it deserves.
He also stressed that teachers carry one of the greatest responsibilities for protecting students' right to education. Minister Dr Shafeeu said teachers must possess the competence, skills and work ethic necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.
Turning to their role in shaping future generations, Minister Dr Shafeeu urged every teacher to include all students, instil in them a love of learning and work to nurture responsible, well-mannered students who are prepared for life.
To achieve this, he urged teachers to pursue their own professional development, remain familiar with technology and contemporary changes, and always be prepared to make the necessary changes to the teaching and learning process.
Concluding his message, Minister Dr Shafeeu wished for further progress and success in the Maldives' education sector. He prayed for the nation's future to grow brighter in an environment where the teaching profession remains protected and the standing of teachers continues to rise.