BY MORRIS NAFU

Hundreds of educators from across Honiara and surrounding Schools in Guadalcanal came together at the National Auditorium yesterday to honour “World Teachers Day”.

The event, attended by more than 1000 teachers, was locally themed “Transformation of Education Begins with Teachers’ Recognition”.

Normally observed on October 5 each year, the celebration was shifted to Friday this time around, as the official date fell on a Sunday.

In a keynote speech, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Hon. Tozen Leokana, praised the dedication of Solomon Islands’ teachers and urges greater teamwork in the profession.

“Today, we join the global community in celebrating World Teachers’ Day.

“This is a day to honour the noblest profession – the one that underpins every other calling in society,” Leokana said.

He described the occasion as a time for appreciation, introspection, and a time to acknowledge the sacrifices teachers make to guide current and future generations.

Leokana highlighted the global theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” and tied it to the local focus on recognition as the foundation for educational reform.

“Collaboration and recognition are the pillars for building our education system’s future.

“Doctors, engineers, judges, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders – they all start in your classrooms, inspired by your words, guidance, and example,” the minister said.

Quoting a well-known saying, Leokana added: “A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination, and instil a love for learning”.

He commended teachers for bringing enlightenment to remote villages and islands, dispelling ignorance and building confidence amidst challenges.

The minister acknowledges the tough realities many teachers face, including limited resources, lack of textbooks or pensions, and relying on personal funds to support students.

“Yet every morning, you rise early, prepare your lessons, and give your all to the children in your care. This isn’t just work, it’s service and love in action.

“As your Minister of Education, I sincerely thank you for your unwavering commitment to teaching and molding our children’s tomorrow,” he expressed.

Stressing the benefits of teamwork, he noted that when teachers collaborate, students reap the rewards.

“I encourage all schools and educators to nurture this spirit in classrooms, provinces, and teacher networks,” Leokana said.

 “How do we strengthen this collaboration?”, he asked.

He offered practical ideas, starting with embedding teamwork into teacher training from the outset.

“Professional learning and mentoring should make collaboration second nature,” he suggested.

Leokana also calls for leveraging technology in an increasingly digital world.

“While it can’t replace the human touch of teaching, tech can connect educators across provinces and subjects, opening doors to shared knowledge and new possibilities,” he noted.

Photo: Supplied

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