The Ministry of Education is calling on the public to come together to celebrate World Teachers’ Day, acknowledging the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the nation’s future.

Cook Islands will today join the rest of the world to celebrate the World Teachers’ Day which is observed annually on October 5.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this year’s World Teachers’ Day will focus on the theme “Valuing teacher voices: Towards a new social contract for education”. It will emphasise the pivotal role that teachers play in shaping the future of education and the urgent need to incorporate their perspectives into educational policy and decision-making processes.

A Nukutere College teacher who wished to remain anonymous and has over a decade of experience in the teaching profession, said that being a teacher is like being a mother.

“You have to care for your students the way you care about your own children at home and it is not like those normal office jobs where you just wait for the day to finish,” she said.

“It takes a lot of courage and your whole time, including family time, to be able to become a good teacher and I love being able to do that and spare some extra hours at home doing this and that, thinking about this and about that, all for the students.”

Secretary for Education, Owen Lewis, in a statement stressed that teachers are at the heart of education, and their work is vital to the success of the children, communities, and the country.

Lewis said the World Teachers Day recognises the immense contribution of the teachers and their essential role in shaping the future of the nation.

“As we move forward with the implementation of our Education Masterplan 2024-2034, we are reminded that the dedication and hard work of our teachers are key to achieving the goals we have set for the future of education in the Cook Islands,” he said.

“Their daily commitment to nurturing our young people, instilling values and building the skills needed for tomorrow is what will drive us forward as a nation.

“Tomorrow (today), I encourage each of you to take a moment to personally thank the teachers in your community for their tireless efforts.”

According to Lewis, the teachers’ impact goes beyond the classroom in shaping the leaders, innovators and changemakers of the future.

He added that the success of Cook Islands’ education system and the country’s progress relies on their energy, sacrifice and dedication.

“Let us show our appreciation and support for the teachers who inspire and guide our children and young people each day. Together, let’s make tomorrow a day to recognise and celebrate their contributions,” he said.